Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a worldwide problem affecting 9% of all people and 110 million people. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a chronic condition that includes heightened levels of continued anxiety and worry lasting for several months, usually continuing on for at least 6 months, and in many cases for several years. Generalized Anxiety disorder, if left untreated, can and will result in significant impairments to normal everyday functioning as a result of the consistent anxiety and worry. Therefore it is imperative to seek mental health support.
Causes of GAD are varied but are commonly the result of a combination of Temperamental, environmental and Genetic factors. Normally, an individual with GAD will see the world in a negative and worried state.
Difficulties arising from Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Academic difficulties including constant worrying, lack of concentration, restlessness, and fatigue in class and schoolwork
- Occupational difficulties such as the inability to perform work tasks effectively due to cognitive difficulties, fatigue, and insomnia
- Social difficulties such as struggles to communicate and engage socially with friends and relationships as a result of tension and fear
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Consistent worrying
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
- Muscle Tension
- Sleep difficulties
Additionally, children may exhibit their anxiety symptoms through behavioural difficulties or somatization (expressing anxiety through their bodies manifesting as headaches or abdominal symptoms).
Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
The most effective treatments for GAD are through Neurofeedback [treats cognitive (worrying) and emotional (irritability, being edgy) symptoms], Biofeedback (reduces physiological hyperarousal symptoms, therefore, preventing a potential panic reaction following worries), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(addresses cognitive distortions associated with GAD) and Clinical Hypnosis addresses the root cause (aka subconscious reasons). Functional Medicine and Nutrition Counselling can identify any nutrition/lifestyle causes that can then be remedied through our lines of Nutraceuticals or IV Nutrient Therapy.
