Fear, anxiety, stress and tension are emotions that everyone experiences. Fear is a normal reaction to the threat of danger. Fear has the function of warning and protecting us in real danger. Sometimes fears can also be present in safe situations. Fear is of no use in this situation. When these fears are intense and prolonged, they can be disturbing.
A person may be disturbed not only by the feelings of fear, but also by the (physical) symptoms that occur with this fear. In addition, people with fear complaints worry about a thousand and one things that could happen to them, even though they have no reason.
Excessive/irrational worries and delusions are often seen in daily matters such as economic situation, possible work obligations, health problems, events that children may experience, housework, repairs, not being able to make appointments. They worry about a thousand and one issues when there is no reason for it.
For example, about the health of his wife and children, although they are all healthy; about house bark while their house is good and affordable; they may be worried.
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People avoid various situations because they lose their self-confidence and become exhausted due to these fears and anxieties.
Generalized anxiety disorder is when the fear complaints and physical symptoms are present almost continuously for more than six months and interfere with daily life or cause discomfort, worrying for no apparent reason.
Anxiety Anxiety Symptoms
The most important symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is constant fear and excitement for no apparent reason. People cannot stop worrying. They cannot control it. Sometimes they worry because they think they will at least be prepared for the worst and will be able to deal with their problems better in the future. Still others worry about going crazy. Many people with generalized anxiety disorder avoid situations and environments that amplify their anxiety. For example, in order to avoid worrying about the spouse coming home, the patient often calls the office to find out where their spouse is and what time they will be home.
Generalized anxiety disorder is often accompanied by some somatic symptoms that appear as if there is a physical illness. These symptoms are physical complaints such as unexplained fatigue, headache and muscle aches, difficulty in swallowing, dry mouth, tremors and twitches, sweating, intolerance, nausea, drowsiness, and hot flashes. Although complaints are present every day, not every patient is equally bothered every day. The severity of the fears can vary. Sometimes this happens for no apparent reason. It is also possible for complaints to worsen in stressful life experiences or improve when distracted.
Anxiety Effects of Anxiety
Having this anxiety disorder in a person has very negative effects not only for the person himself, but also for his spouse and family members. People with this disorder have worse functions at home and at work than those of healthy people because of their fear complaints. Due to this disease, it is often seen that there are tensions in relationships. This may be the case, for example, if the patient wants to be comforted all the time because otherwise he is constantly worrying. If the patient constantly calls to find out where the family member is and what time he will come home, his wife or children may feel as if they are constantly being controlled. Sometimes a person is sick because he can no longer do his job. This may be because, for example, he is exhausted due to sleep disturbance and too much worry. Since many physical symptoms can occur in generalized anxiety disorder, a possible physical cause is suspected and the person in question applies for examination. Since the person feels unhealthy from others, he or she also benefits more from health care services. In some cases, before a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is made, the person is referred to various medical professionals for their complaints. These may be, for example, a cardiologist, internist, neurologist or ENT specialist. No explanation can be found for physical complaints by these experts. As these patients may be seen as “whiny” because they are worried about many issues, others do not talk to them and this creates a social isolation.
Anxiety Treatment
Generalized anxiety disorder can be treated well. Depending on the symptoms and the severity of the disease, treatment consists of cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, or a combination of both. The goal of cognitive behavior therapy is to cope with worrying behavior and learn to change negative thoughts. Apart from this, a person can learn to actively relax and overcome avoidance in everyday situations and environments. Treatment reduces fear, physical complaints, worry, and avoidance behavior.
