Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, by itself, may be distracting and
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, by itself, may be distracting and overwhelming. Still, Janneta K. Bohlander Associates knows how to teach you the skills needed to manage symptoms. GAD is a chronic illness that can interfere with all aspects of your life. We do our best to give you sensitive, supportive care by helping you understand more about the disorder and taking you through step-by-step the skills that will help you effectively manage your symptoms.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Definition
GAD refers to a chronic, excessive, and uncontrollable worry about various things in life, such as health, work or occupational settings, family, finances, or other matters. Such concerns with those with GAD characteristically perceived situations as having the worst outcome ever. At the same time, most people with GAD can never relax and may have chronic, ongoing worry or fear. However, at the time, there is nothing to worry about.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms may vary from one person to another but may include, among others:
● Worry or anxiety about things getting worse or having problems without a valid reason.
● Restlessness, feeling on edge, or easily fatigued.
● Trouble concentrating or having your mind go blank.
● Irritability or frustration.
● Muscle tension or aches, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.
● Physical symptoms include sweating, nausea, or dizziness.
It is always better to recognize these symptoms in their early stages since, like any other anxiety disorder, GAD can affect your daily activities and quality of life.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Diagnosis
GAD symptoms and diagnostic criteria are discussed among different healthcare providers. It is essential to talk to a healthcare provider who will listen to your issues and diagnose whether you are suffering from GAD.
In assessment, doctors consider different factors that contribute to your symptoms, consisting of questions about your symptoms, how recurrent they have been, and how much they affect your life.
One of the tools commonly used is the GAD-7 self-report questionnaire. It is a simple, seven-question test often used for measuring the severity of your anxiety symptoms. The higher your score, the more your anxiety is impacting your quality of life.
Treatment of GAD
The good news is that an experienced psychotherapist can treat GAD. Living with GAD may not be easy, but a variety of treatments are available to help manage symptoms and significantly enhance quality of life, including various forms of therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication.
Therapy
Treatment for GAD can start by finding a therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is very effective in the recovery process since it enables patients to realize and change the irrational thought patterns that make them anxious. This form of therapy
teaches you better handling situations that cause you to worry or become anxious.
Medications
Sometimes, your therapist might suggest you explore medications to help regulate symptoms. The most common GAD medications include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. These medications can help regulate the chemicals in the brain, thus helping to ease excessive worries by alleviating undue mental distress.teaches you better handling situations that cause you to worry or become anxious.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can make a lot of difference in the reduction of your anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises help with anxiety. A daily routine helps you feel grounded and gives you some control when everything else is in limbo.
Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder a Disability?
Do I have a disability? In the DSM-5, the criteria for being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder is when excessive problems result in an inability to work, go to school, or carry out usual daily responsibilities. In such situations, you may be entitled to receive accommodations or assistance depending on the severity of the condition.
Why do I need professional help?
If you suspect you may have GAD, a visit to a professional can bring you one step closer to recovery. We can give you an exact diagnosis and discuss various treatment options.
At Janneta K. Bohlander & Associates, we are here for you. We will evaluate your symptoms and discuss an appropriate treatment plan.
It may be overwhelming to consider finding some mental health support. You do not have to go through it alone.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder and ICD-10
Many medical facilities use the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system to classify and code diseases, symptoms, and procedures in healthcare. In it, the ICD-10 has assigned the code F41.1 for GAD. This code allows multiple health professionals to use a common language and monitor treatment success.
Additional ICD 10 code for GAD is as follows:
● ICD generalized anxiety disorder: F41.1
● GAD ICD 10: F41.1
● GAD self-report evaluation:
This can sometimes be a rating of the level of anxiety you are experiencing in terms of severity.
Knowing this code can benefit you in medical discussions with your other providers or taking to your
insurance provider about reimbursement for treatment expenses.
Living with GAD in Daily Life
Of course, managing GAD needs professional assistance, but it also includes learning how to cope with one’s daily life. Here are a few practical suggestions on how to manage GAD:
● Maintain physical activity: Exercise has often been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms.
● Engage in relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness
help the body and mind relax.
● Maintain a support network: Keep in touch with friends, family, or support
groups who can provide much-needed emotional support.
● Limit caffeine and alcohol: They may exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
● Set realistic goals: Break down huge tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Take the First Step
If you are worried excessively or are frequently anxious, it is time to seek help. Janneta K. Bohlander & Associates offers caring services designed to meet your needs. We can provide therapy, give you more information about managing your symptoms, and assist you throughout the process.
Take that first step toward reducing your symptoms and reclaim your life today. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about our treatment options.
Contact us now
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. The worry is often out of proportion to the actual circumstance.
GAD is diagnosed by a healthcare provider using criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This includes excessive anxiety or worry most days for at least 6 months, difficulty controlling the worry, and the presence of at least three physical or cognitive symptoms (such as restlessness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating).
While there is no “cure” for GAD, it can be managed effectively with a combination of therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication, and lifestyle changes.
GAD can be considered a disability if it significantly interferes with a person’s daily activities and ability to function. In some cases, individuals may qualify for disability benefits if their GAD is severe. However, many people with GAD can manage their symptoms and lead full, productive lives with appropriate treatment and support.
