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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is much
more than the normal anxiety people experience day to day. It's
chronic and fills one's day with exaggerated worry and tension,
even though there is little or nothing to provoke it. Having this
disorder means always anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively
about health, money, family, or work. Sometimes, though, the source
of the worry is hard to pinpoint. Simply the thought of getting
through the day provokes anxiety.
People
with GAD can't seem to shake their concerns, even though they
usually realize that their anxiety is more intense than the situation
warrants. Their worries are accompanied by physical symptoms,
especially fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty
swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, and
hot flashes. People with GAD may feel lightheaded or out of breath.
They also may feel nauseated or have to go to the bathroom frequently.
Individuals with GAD seem unable to relax, and they may startle
more easily than other people. They tend to have difficulty concentrating,
too. Often, they have trouble falling or staying asleep.
Social
Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized
by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday
social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type
of situation — such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal
situations, or eating or drinking in front of others — or,
in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences
symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.
People with social phobia have a persistent, intense, and chronic
fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed
or humiliated by their own actions. Their fear may be so severe
that it interferes with work or school, and other ordinary activities.
Physical symptoms often accompany the intense anxiety of social
phobia and include blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, nausea,
and difficulty talking.
Psychotherapy
and Stress Management
Psychotherapy benefits the individual in
discovering what caused the disorder and the how to manage symptoms.
Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with
anxiety disorders calm themselves and may enhance the effects
of therapy. There is preliminary evidence that aerobic exercise
may have a calming effect. Since caffeine, certain illicit drugs,
and even some over-the-counter cold medications can aggravate
the symptoms of anxiety disorders, they should be avoided.
To book your free initial
consultation Click here - Toronto Psychotherapist.
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