Anxiety is a very common emotion, and everyone experiences it at times. Feelings of anxiety can last for various lengths of time. Seconds, minutes, hours, or days. In some cases, it can last longer. Weeks, months, years, even constantly. When it gets to the point that it starts interfering with your life on a day to day basis, it’s considered to be a disorder called Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety disorder include
- restlessness or feeling “on edge”
- easily fatigued
- concentration difficulties
- irritable
- muscle tension
- sleep disturbances
What to Expect During a Telemedicine Visit
Based on your medical history, the severity of symptoms, and how long your anxiety lasts, your physician will choose a treatment plan for you, after asking a series of questions.
Laboratory tests are frequently ordered to rule out an organic disease that can cause anxiety. Treatment plans vary to make them more effective to the patient, but most include medications for symptoms, possibly therapy, exercise, and other home remedies.
Conditions that Can Mimic an Anxiety Disorder
- Psychiatric conditions including depression, ADHD or bipolar disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic attacks
- Side effects of common medications
- thyroid hormones
- corticosteroids
- stimulants such as caffeine
- some inhalers such as albuterol
- Withdrawal of
- alcohol
- benzodiazepines
- opioids