Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health:

More than 16 million American adults, ages 18 to 54, suffer from an anxiety disorder, including: panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Many anxiety disorders are accompanied by substance abuse, eating disorders, and depression.

Many people experience more than one anxiety disorder at one time.

What is generalized anxiety disorder?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes its sufferers chronic and exaggerated worry and tension that seem to have no substantial cause. Persons with generalized anxiety disorder often worry excessively about health, money, family, or work, and continually anticipate disaster.

Although GAD may be accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or another anxiety disorder, impairment is usually mild. Generally, persons with this disorder do not:

• feel too restricted in social settings.
• feel too restricted on the job.
• avoid certain situations.

What are the characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder?

People with this disorder usually realize that their anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants, but cannot rid themselves of these irrational concerns. The following are the most common symptoms of GAD. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• trouble falling or staying asleep
• trembling
• twitching
• muscle tension
• headaches
• irritability
• sweating
• hot flashes
• lightheadedness and/or difficulty breathing
• nausea
• frequent urination
• feeling as though there is a lump in the throat
• fatigue
• lack of concentration
• being easily startled
• prone to irritable bowel syndrome
• inability to relax

The symptoms of GAD may resemble other psychiatric conditions. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

Who is affected by GAD?

GAD begins gradually, usually in childhood or adolescence, but can begin in adulthood, too. It is more commonly seen in women and often occurs in relatives of affected persons. Each year, 2 to 4 percent of Americans experience this disorder.

How is generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed?

GAD is diagnosed when someone spends at least 6 months worried excessively about a number of everyday problems.

Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder:

Specific treatment for GAD will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• medication
• psychological treatment
• relaxation techniques
• biofeedback - to control muscle tension