Generalized anxiety is a common problem in modern society.
There is no person in the world who has not faced nervousness or worry at least once in his life. Fear of a new job, of holding an important presentation or having financial difficulties is justified. However, it is not uncommon that a sense of restlessness is intense and almost daily so it affects the normal functioning of a person.
That generalized anxiety is a serious problem is evidenced by more than 4 percent of the world’s population facing the effects of constant anxiety, and it is more likely to develop in women. This is due to the fact that women are more stressed at work in order to prove that they have the same qualities as men, are exposed to discrimination and are more often victims of sexual and physical abuse.
Although the disorder can develop at any age, it usually occurs around the age of 30, while in the younger generations it is among the three most common mental issues.
Given the high prevalence, luxury rehab clinic VIP Vorobiev draws your attention to the factors that cause generalized anxiety disorder.
What is generalized anxiety?
Generalized anxiety is, according to the definition of English psychiatry professor Malcolm Lader, an exaggerated and inappropriate concern that is persistent and not limited to the given circumstances. That is, anxiety manifested by tense anticipation of future events, overwhelming trepidation and worry, even when there is no real danger.
As with all health problems, genetics plays a key role in generalized anxiety, which means that the risk group includes people in whose families this disorder is already registered.
In addition to the hereditary factor, generalized anxiety disorder is explained by chemical changes in the brain. Namely, disruption of the level of neurotransmitters that transmit information from one nerve cell to another may lead to different reactions to certain situations, resulting in mood swings or anxiety.
External factors also have a great influence. Trauma and various stressful events, such as the death of a loved one, abuse, job change, are cited as the most common causes. Also, generalized anxiety is a consequence of alcoholism, but drug use and pill addiction can also lead to problems.
Sometimes, it can be a sign of hyperthyroidism, angina, mitral valvular prolapse, arrhythmia, adrenal cancer.
How is it recognized?
Do you worry about unnecessary things every day? Are frequent panic attacks part of your life? Do fears prevent you from getting into new opportunities and new situations? If you have answered these and similar questions with yes, it is time to seek professional help.
Characteristic symptoms are constant nervousness, sleep problems, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability. In addition to psychic, body signs such as rapid heartbeat, headache, muscle tension, excessive sweating, shivering, getting tired easily, nausea and digestive problems are recognized as well.
How is generalized anxiety diagnosed and treated?
Given that generalized anxiety exhibits a range of symptoms that can be attributed to other illnesses, making a diagnosis is a real challenge. In fact, only 13.3 percent of patients report this problem.
Only when the presence of other diseases is ruled out can appropriate treatment be administered that involves a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
Earlier, benzodiazepines were prescribed. Unfortunately, they only affect the symptoms and not the cause, so there is a risk of developing an addiction. That is why, today, antidepressants are used in treatment. Thanks to them, the balance between neurotransmitters is achieved and anxiety is reduced.
The importance of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety is high. At VIP Vorobiev clinic, special attention is paid to individual and group therapies to get to the source of the problem. At the same time, the patient is taught how to recognize and respond promptly to crisis situations that cause anxiety.
If generalized anxiety is accompanied by addiction to heroin, cocaine, and other opiates, treatment is conducted as part of addiction treatment.
VIP Vorobiev clinic has a professional team of physicians and psychiatrists who use individual approach. With luxurious accommodation, a menu designed to your liking, and moments of relaxation in the gym, pool and hot tub, anxiety will disappear.
