Don’t we all have worries and anxieties about different situations and upcoming events? Yes, but most of us also possess the ability to get on top of the situation after controlling our anxiety. But some individuals find it difficult or impossible to control such worry, often for a long period of time.
If a person experiences excessive anxiety and worry for at least six months, about certain events or activities, then the person can be described as having Generalised Anxiety Disorder. In such people, such anxiety occurs on more days than not for at least six months.
People suffering from this condition are likely to have three or more of the following six symptoms. In children, having even one of these may point to an occurrence of the disorder.
- Restlessness or feeling keyed up or being on the edge
- Being daily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance (difficulty to stay asleep or having restless or insufficient sleep)
Experts conclude that a person suffers from this condition when the anxiety, worry or its physical manifestations cause noticeable and significant distress to the individual and prevents the individual from performing social or professional tasks. Experts also will first rule out the possibility of any substance such as drugs or medication causing such disturbance or any other medical condition such as hyperthyroidism having such an effect.
One of the key aspects in the field of mental health is to determine with precision the exact type of disorder involved. There are subtle differences among generalised anxiety disorder and other types of mental disorders such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia, somatic symptom disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, illness anxiety disorder or delusional disorder.
WHAT TREATMENT HELPS?
The effectiveness of psychotherapies on reducing anxiety, stress and phobia is well established. In particular, cognitive behaviour therapy and clinical hypnotherapy have shown the most encouraging results.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS OUR TREATMENT?
Our panel has highly trained and qualified mental health professionals with competence as either cognitive behaviour therapists, clinical hypnotherapists, clinical and counselling psychologists. They have the necessary skills, competence and experience to help people overcome difficulties after determining the type of disorder and the right approach for that condition.
Medication is not usually recommended in the treatment of mild to moderate psychological problems. However, in some cases, it may be helpful to consider a combined approach of counselling and medication and we will advise on the right way to go about it.