Generalized Anxiety Disorder Effects on Individual and Family and Friends of the Patient

Mental Health
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Mental Health
Anxiety is a normal condition in the daily life of individuals. However, folks with anxiety disorder often experience robust, excessive, and constant fear and worry about everyday situations. Anxiety disorders entail continuous occasions of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear that might result in a panic attack within a short time. The emotions disrupt daily operations, and they are difficult to control, and they can result in long-term effects on individuals. In 2020, my uncle had a generalized anxiety disorder, and he could continuously experience worries and fears that interfered with his ability to function. He always expected disaster in every situation and could not stop worrying about money, health, work, and family. Worrying became an unrealistic situation, and he could not handle the situation since every aspect of life was a state of worry fear until anxiety dominated his thinking. Eventually, he found himself unable to perform routine duties at work and with his family.
Generalized anxiety disorder drains individuals' energy, impedes sleep, and exhausts their body leading to physical and mental exhaustion. Research indicates that approximately four million folks experienced GAD during the year, with the situation beginning in childhood or adolescent stage (Casarella, 2003). Also, the case is common in women compared to men. He started portraying certain behaviors as the condition escalated. He had problems concentrating, became more irritable, tired, and had sleeping problems and ideological perspectives. In addition, he was unable to control uncertainty and always concerned about what could happen in the future. The situation finally led to job loss, and it became very challenging for his young family to survive. The doctor evaluated and recorded his medical and psychiatric history. Also, the doctor conducted a physical exam to determine the severity of the disorder. After diagnosis, the doctor confirmed the generalized anxiety disorder.
The doctor recommended psychotherapy and other home remedies to control the impacts of GAD on my uncle. We opted for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as one of the psychotherapies to help with his disorder. The treatment educates folks in various ways of thinking, conducting themselves, and responding to situations and object that brings anxiety (NIMH, 2019). Also, it helps individuals learn and practice social skills that are essential in reducing social anxiety problems. CBT applies two methods to treat social anxiety problems. Cognitive therapy entails the identification, challenge, and reduction of distorted thoughts resulting in anxiety disorder. On the flip side, exposure therapy involves confrontation of fears resulting in anxiety and ...