About this topic
Anxiety is when you feel afraid or worried. You may feel uneasy or tense. It is a normal reaction when you go through a stressful event or are in doubt. Anxiety becomes a problem when it lasts for a long time. It is also a problem if it is getting in the way of your normal activities. Your anxiety may affect your work or how to relate to your friends. You may have problems with sleeping, eating, and overall health. Anxiety may also affect the whole family. ‚
Generalized anxiety disorder is also known as GAD. People with GAD often feel scared. They worry that something bad will happen. If you have GAD you may have problems relaxing. You may also worry about many things. ‚
GAD may be treated in different ways. Your doctor may use drugs and talk therapy like cognitive-behavior therapy. Both treatments work well. Research has shown you will get the best results by using both drugs and talk therapy together. ‚
In therapy, you will learn to see thought patterns that cause your fears, anxiety, and worry. Then, you work to replace them with real facts. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk with family and friends about your anxiety and how to help.
- Join a support group to get to know other people who have anxiety and are learning ways to deal with it.
- Learn and practice ways to relax. You may want to try deep breathing, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation.
- Listen to relaxing music, nature sounds, or guided imagery exercises.
- Balance exercise with rest.
- Eat healthy meals often.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The doctor may suggest you see a psychiatrist or psychologist. They may help you improve the signs of GAD that limit your day-to-day functioning.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower anxiety, fear, or worries
- Help you sleep
Take the drugs only as ordered. Some drugs for anxiety can be habit-forming and may cause side effects. Ask your doctor for more details. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
- Exercising often may lessen anxiety.
- Tell the doctor if certain activities worsen anxiety.
What problems could happen?
- Not able to go to work or social gatherings
- Not able to do normal activities
- Problems with personal relationships
- Low mood
- Substance abuse
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid stressful situations, if possible.
- Write about thoughts, fears, and worries.
- Do not use alcohol or street drugs to manage your anxiety. Avoid misusing prescription drugs to try and cope.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
- You have concerns about your anxiety or drugs you are taking
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition and the drugs I need to take.
- I can tell you what may help lower my anxiety.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
Where can I learn more?
Anxiety Disorders Association of America ‚
http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad ‚
National Institute of Mental Health ‚
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/complete-generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad-when-worry-gets-out-of-control.shtml ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚