In this video I’m going I look at generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). This video will explain what generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is and discuss the causes, symptoms, and possible treatment options. People with generalised anxiety disorder are more likely to engage in cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions are a form of irrational thinking that makes things seem more bad than they really are. GAD also has a tendency to be intolerant of uncertainty. Although uncertainty is part of everyday life, research shows that GAD sufferers are often intolerant to uncertainty. As a way to avoid or eliminate uncertainty, they will often plan and prepare for everything. This can include list-making, reassurance seeking and double checking. They may also try to avoid people and places. There is also a correlation between perfectionionism and GAD, according to research. Perfectionism is about setting high standards and striving to excel in everything you do. If you don’t achieve perfection, you will feel frustrated and stressed.
GAD can also manifest as irritability and indecisiveness.
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GAD AND THE BEAR
GAD is a condition in which the brain’s prefrontal cortex spends a lot of time in cognitive distortions like catastrophising. These thinking patterns communicate to the amygdala that your life is in danger. The body releases adrenaline, cortisol and other hormones. GAD can be caused by cortisol, which in particular can cause symptoms such as racing heart rate, shortness, breathing difficulties, muscle pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, fatigue, muscle pains, and sleeplessness. This is known as the fight or flight response.
POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR GAD: LIFE EXPERIENCES Although the exact cause of GAD remains unknown, it is believed to be related to a combination genetic, behavioral, and developmental factors. The video focuses on three possible causes of GAD. Life experiences are the first possible cause. GAD is when the fight or flight response becomes too often and easily triggered. This can happen after trauma, abuse, bullying, or other traumatic events in your life.
POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR GAD: EPIGENETICS
Epigenetic is another possible cause. Scientists have discovered that anxiety is a common genetic condition. This means that some people are more likely to experience anxiety than others. Gene expression and silence can be affected by life experiences and environmental factors.
POTENTIAL CAUSES OF GAD: PERIMENOPAUSE
GAD can also be caused by perimenopause, which is only for women. Study results show that 23% women feel anxiety symptoms during perimenopause. One of the main issues is the fluctuation in hormones oestrogen, progesterone.
GAD TREATMENT OPTIONS: CBT OR MEDICATION Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is proven to be more effective than medications for GAD. You can work with your therapist to break the cycle of anxiety and learn techniques to calm the amygdala.
TREATMENT OPTIONS: MINDFULNESS
Research has shown that Mindfulness meditation can also reduce anxiety. After a mindfulness meditation course for 8 weeks, MRI scans showed that the amygdala actually shrinks. The brain’s connection to the amygdala also becomes weaker.
TERESA LEWIS
Teresa Lewis, the founder and director of Lewis Psychology, is a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Accred). Teresa is a qualified 1995, psychotherapist and has been providing counseling and psychotherapy treatments for almost 30 year. Teresa has a master’s degree in psychotherapy and counselling. She is also a certified EMDR practitioner, having been trained with EMDR Europe. Teresa is also an adult educator and an accredited Mindfulness teacher. As an expert in her field, Teresa is often asked to review and endorse psychotherapy and counselling books for international publishers.
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