Is it possible to get rid of generalized anxiety?

Author: Hilsix M. Escobales, Master's Student Clinical Social Work Universidad Ana G. Méndez

Generalized anxiety is a chronic disorder that is characterized by excessive and persistent worry about a variety of issues, it could be the economic situation, work or school performance, the health of oneself or a loved one, interpersonal conflicts, etc. .

This concern is accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, tremors, difficulty falling asleep, muscle tension, etc. The treatment of generalized anxiety includes, first of all, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on learning coping techniques, more appropriate to manage excessive worry and physical symptoms. Anxiolytic medications may also be necessary to control symptoms.

The understanding of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) has evolved considerably in the course of the last two decades, closely related to where greater precision was made to the diagnosis, fundamentally in relation to cognitive variables, (Seidah, Dugas & Leblanc, 2007). Anxiety is described in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-V), as the anticipation of a future threat.

We all feel anxious at one time or another, but not all of us develop an anxiety disorder. However, within the different anxiety disorders, they are associated with increased amygdala activity and also reduced hippocampal neurogenesis. and this has been linked to a predisposition to suffer this type of high stress which triggers an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety in the Elderly

Anxiety in older adults can have a significantly adverse effect on their quality of life. This is because as age advances, older adults experience a decreased ability to cope with stressful situations and may develop anxiety disorders. This can lead to a variety of physical, emotional, and social problems. For example, anxiety can cause sleep problems, depression, irritability, excessive worry, memory problems, social isolation, excessive dependence on family members. Anxiety can also be associated with increased blood pressure, the risk of heart disease, and the presence of other mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. On the other hand, other related disorders are phobias or social anxiety. It is important to recognize that there are risk factors which can be genetic, environmental, psychological and developmental.

On the other hand, establish strategies to address anxiety problems in older adults living in care homes. These strategies include:

• Offer emotional support: older adults should feel heard and understood. Caregivers must offer older adults personalized attention in order to respond to their emotional needs.

• Establish a regular routine and schedule: This will help them feel secure and have a sense of control over their lives.

• Do activities that reduce stress: this can include activities such as exercises, meditation, music, painting, reading, etc.

• Prevent isolation: older adults should have the opportunity to express their state of mind.

So, yes, it is possible, as long as the patient is committed to their recovery, is receptive to their specialist's recommendations and above all that they take action, this could help reduce anxiety symptoms significantly. .

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA

• Rovella, A., & González, M. (2008). Trastorno de ansiedad generalizada: aportes de la investigación al diagnóstico. Fundamentos en Humanidades, IX (17), 179-194.

• Seidah, A., Dugas, M. y Leblanc, R. (2007). El tratamiento cognitivo comportamental del TAG: modelo conceptual y casos clínicos. Revista Argentina de Clínica Psicológica XVI, pp. 39-48.