Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) is characterized by 6 months or more of chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience. People with this disorder usually expect the worst; they worry excessively about money, health, family, or work, even when there are no signs of trouble.
They are unable to relax and often suffer from insomnia. Many people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder also have physical symptoms, such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, or hot flashes. Fortunately, through research supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), effective treatments have been developed to help people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
A great deal of anxiety and worry that is experienced more days than not for a period of at least six months. This anxiety and worry can be about a number of different things (for example, school, relationships, work, etc.). In addition, the worry or anxiety is not about a symptom of another anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder.
The worry is very difficult to control.
At least one of the following symptoms is experienced along with the anxiety and worry:
feeling restless or on edge
easily getting tired
having a hard time concentrating
being irritable
having tension in your muscles
difficulties sleeping
The anxiety, worry, and symptoms described above cause many problems in your life,
Causes and symptoms:
Generalized anxiety disorder afflicts between 2-3% of the general population, and is slightly more common in women than in men. It accounts for almost one-third of cases referred to psychiatrists by general practitioners.
Generalized anxiety disorder may result from a combination of causes. Some people are genetically predisposed to developing it. Psychological traumas that occur during childhood, such as prolonged separation from parents, may make people more vulnerable as well. Stressful life events, such as a move, a major job change, the loss of a loved one, or a divorce, can trigger or contribute to the anxiety.
Psychologically, the person with generalized anxiety disorder may develop a sense of dread for no apparent reason-the irrational feeling that some nameless catastrophe is about to happen. Physical symptoms similar to those found with panic disorder may be present, although not as severe. They may include trembling, sweating, heart palpitations (the feeling of the heart pounding in the chest), nausea, and "butterflies in the stomach."
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, a person must have at least three of the following symptoms, with some being present more days than not for at least six months, in order to be diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder:
restlessness or feeling on edge
being easily fatigued
difficulty concentrating
irritability
muscle tension
sleep disturbance
Treatment:
Over the short term, a group of tranquilizers called benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam (Klonipin) may help ease the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Sometimesantidepressant drugs, such as amitryptiline (Elavil), or selective s
erotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram (Lexapro), and venlafaxine (Effexor), which also has norepinephrine, may be preferred. Other SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).
Psychotherapy can be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder. The therapy may take many forms. In some cases, psychodynamically-oriented psychotherapy can help patients work through this anxiety and solve problems in their lives.
Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to reshape the way people perceive and react to potential stressors in their lives. Relaxation techniques have also been used in treatment, as well as in prevention efforts.
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