Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What is generalized anxiety disorder?

An anxiety disorder is a psychological state in which a person constantly feels anxiety. It shows up in physical and/or psychological symptoms.

Generalised anxiety disorder

Generalised anxiety disorder is one type of anxiety disorder, in which the anxiety is intense and long-lasting. The person experiences constant worry and anxiety about work, family, relationships or other areas of life.

Other types of anxiety disorder may include: panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, recurring anxiety or panic attacks, specific phobia disorder, and agoraphobia.

Symptoms

Physical symptoms

An anxiety disorder can show up in various physical symptoms:

• rapid heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• muscle tension and stiffness
• trembling or shaking
• excessive sweating
• nausea or stomach discomfort
• dizziness
• waves of heat or cold
• fatigue or weakness
• cold, clammy hands
• headache
• frequent urination or diarrhea

Psychological symptoms

Beyond physical tension, an anxiety disorder can also show up in various psychological symptoms:

• excessive fear
• irritability or restlessness
• difficulty concentrating
• anticipating the worst outcomes
• a feeling of tension or strain
• intrusive thoughts
• catastrophic thinking
• unrealistic fears or phobias
• avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations
• obsessive-compulsive behavior
• perfectionism
• a sense of detachment from oneself or unreality (dissociation)

Causes

Traumatic experiences

One of the causes of anxiety disorder can be traumatic experiences (for example violence, neglect and the like), such as past traumas or difficult life situations. Such experiences can shape a person’s reaction to stress and anxiety.

Chemical imbalance in the brain

A chemical imbalance in the brain can also influence anxiety disorder. An imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA brings on anxiety disorder. These chemicals help regulate mood and stress, and when their balance is disturbed, anxiety rises.

Personality factors

Certain personality traits — such as perfectionism, shyness or excessive self-criticism — can increase the tendency toward generalised anxiety disorder. So these traits can contribute to constant anxiety.

Life difficulties

A constant load of stress — such as a war in the neighbourhood, financial difficulties, relationship problems, work-related stress or significant life changes — can trigger anxiety or strengthen existing symptoms.

Physical health conditions

Chronic health conditions, especially those involving pain or discomfort, can increase the risk of anxiety. Living with chronic illness can bring worry and concern about one’s health.

Use of psychoactive substances

Substances such as drugs, alcohol or excessive amounts of caffeine can cause or strengthen the symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Treatment

Psychological therapy

One form of treatment for anxiety disorder is psychological therapy. This approach helps a person recognize and understand the sources of their anxiety, and learn to manage and reduce it.

Prescription medication

Prescription medication may also be prescribed to treat anxiety disorder. Certain drugs can help reduce anxiety and ease the physical tension associated with this disorder.

Using prescription anti-anxiety drugs can have various drawbacks, including:

• Risk of dependence: some anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, cause dependence with longer use.
• Side effects: prescription drugs often cause side effects — for example dizziness, drowsiness and impaired cognitive function, or worse.
• Temporary relief: most often, prescription drugs relieve symptoms temporarily but do not remove the underlying causes of anxiety.
• Tolerance: over time, tolerance to the drugs can develop, so larger doses may be needed to achieve the same effect.
• Withdrawal symptoms: when certain anti-anxiety drugs are stopped, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and hard to overcome.

So, if there is no other way, prescription anti-anxiety drugs are recommended for a short time. Try to consult your doctor.

Over-the-counter anti-anxiety options

Non-prescription anti-anxiety options are certain remedies that can be used as a supporting therapy for anxiety disorder. They can help reduce anxiety and improve general wellbeing. Vitexin is an excellent choice for easing anxiety, especially when taken together with the medicinal mushroom H. erinaceus. The combination of these natural substances can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall psychological wellbeing, without the side effects often associated with prescription anti-anxiety drugs. Vitexin acts on the benzodiazepine receptors, but without the usual drug side effects. In addition, H. erinaceus has a positive effect on the brain, helping you learn, remember and sleep better.

If you want to achieve results, the quality of these active compounds is especially important.

Lifestyle and what we can change

Stress management (cut back on social media and TV)

Stress management is one way to reduce anxiety.

Watching television has a strong effect on the brain, so for some people it can bring on a feeling of anxiety. Why does watching TV affect the brain and potentially cause anxiety?

Alongside television, the spread of social media has added another way in which media consumption can affect mental health. Social-media platforms can harm anxiety levels even more, because of their addictive effect. The companies running these platforms use strategies designed to capture users’ attention and trigger the release of dopamine — the neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. Constant engagement, endless scrolling and the pressure to build a perfect online image can further strengthen the feeling of anxiety and social comparison. It is important to realise that television and social-media use must be limited.

Exercise

Physical activity has an enormous, scientifically grounded effect on managing anxiety. It acts on neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA, improves mood and reduces anxiety. Exercise also regulates the stress response by regulating cortisol levels, releases endorphins, and promotes the neuroplasticity of anxiety-related brain regions (especially good!).

Sauna

Sauna therapy is another additional natural way to manage anxiety. Regular sauna sessions can promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, regulate neurotransmitter activity, improve circulation and stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. To make the most of this benefit, consider building regular sauna sessions into your routine.

Cold therapy (a discovery!)

Cold therapy, also called cryotherapy, can be useful in reducing anxiety. Cold temperature promotes the release of endorphins, reduces inflammation and, most importantly, helps calm you down. It helps regulate stress-related neurotransmitters, improves cognitive function and mood. Cold activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and relaxation. By adding cold therapy to your routine, you may feel less anxiety and better mental wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions