Although most people feel intimated by the thought of even seeing a psychiatrist, sometimes their services are needed to reduce symptoms associated with mental disorders. Oftentimes visiting a psychiatrist offers the patient a way to take control of their lives once again by having someone to talk to, as well as receiving the needed medications that can significantly help with mental disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
One of the most common reasons that people seek help from a psychiatrist is due to generalized anxiety disorder. It is estimated that close to 7 million people are affected by this illness. Although everyone worries sometimes when life presents problems, those with this condition cannot stop worrying. They may realize that their excessive worry is unwarranted, but it remains beyond their control. The cause of this illness has yet to be fully understood. Some believe it is due to chemical imbalances in the brain such as serotonin levels, norepinephrine and dopamine levels. Most believe it is most likely caused by a combination of factors such as stress, the patient's environment and genetics.
Risk Factors
There are certain risk factors that can increase the chances of developing this illness. Those who abuse alcohol or drugs can experience increases in anxiety resulting in generalized anxiety disorder. Women are twice as likely to develop this disorder compared to men. People who endured or witnessed a traumatic event during childhood or were victims of childhood abuse are at higher risk for this condition. Individuals who have been diagnosed with a serious physical illness may develop generalized anxiety disorder as well as those who are continually exposed to stressful situations in their lives.
Symptoms
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder often include excessive worrying, irritability, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, muscle tension, restlessness, diarrhea, sweating, trembling and rapid heartbeat. With effective treatments available, individuals with this disorder can regain their control over needless worry and live a happy and fulfilled life.
How A Psychiatrist Can Help
With the help from St Louis psychiatrists, this condition can be controlled. Psychiatry is a field of medicine that specializes in mental health issues. These professionals can offer medications to reduce anxiety, as well as psychotherapy to help patients learn to control the thoughts that cause the excessive worry. Without treatment, generalized anxiety disorder can cause additional problems, both physically and mentally. Individuals may experience depression due to the difficulties that this illness presents as well as suffer from sleepless nights, grinding teeth, headaches and digestive disturbances. This can also lead to drug or alcohol abuse, resulting in more problems.
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