Generalized Anxiety Disorder
This
disorder is characterized by
stronger than warranted
worry and
tension caused by non-existance influences. The fears tend to
focus on
health,
money,
family,
work or impending
disaster. The GAD sufferer cannot simply release their
fears despite their own recognition that there is no basis for the fear.
GAD usually develops gradually during
adolescence, but can begin during early
adulthood as well. It is far more common in
women than
men, and seems to frequently strike relatives of
affected persons.
During the course of a year, 3% - 4% of the
population in the
United States will suffer from GAD.
Causes
GAD seems to run in families, although whether this is a
genetic or
environmental factor is unknown. Times of intense stress or worry may
worsen the condition, though stress is not known as a specific
trigger for the
disorder.
Symptoms:
Unlike many of the other
Panic and Anxiety Disorders, those with GAD do not tend to feel
socially
restricted due to their
condition, however when it is severe it can be debilitating.
Diagnosis and Treatment
GAD is usually diagnosed by a
doctor when
excessive worrying about every day concerns continues for six months or more.
Non-medical treatment usually includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and the use of
biofeedback to control muscle
tension. These methods are used to attempt to alter specific actions and stop unwanted behaviors. In some cases the patient is taught breathing
techniques to calm them.
Exposure therapy is also used to familiarize the patient with specific stresses and worrisome events.
When
medication is used, most commonly prescribed are the following:
- buspirone
- anti-depressants
- benzodiazepines
Prognosis
The symptoms of GAD usually
diminish with
age, and with treatment the symptoms can usually be completely controlled, allowing for a fully
normal life. Unfortunately, GAD often coexists with depression, substance abuse or other anxiety disorders which could hamper
treatment.