Mental Health: What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

nGeneralized anxiety disorder is characterized by feelings of exaggerated worry and tension, even though there is little or nothing to substantiate the feelings. People with this disorder:nn• Often anticipate disastern• Are overly concerned about health issuesn• Overly concerned about moneyn• Overly concerned with family problemsn• Overly concerned with difficulties at workn• Some people feel anxiety with thoughts of just getting through the daynnWhen is generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed?nn• When a person worries excessively about a variety of everyday problems for at least 6 monthsnnIt is common for people with this disorder to realize their anxiety is more intense than the situation calls for, yet are still unable to get rid of their concerns.nnSymptoms include:nn• Unable to relaxn• Easy to get startledn• Difficulty with concentrationnnPhysical symptoms include:nn• Fatiguen• Headachesn• Muscle tensionn• Muscle achesn• Difficulty swallowingn• Tremblingn• Twitchingn• Irritabilityn• Sweatingn• Nausean• Lightheadednessn• Going to the bathroom frequentlyn• Feeling out of breathn• Hot flashesnnAre people with GAD able to function adequately?nn• When anxiety levels are mild, they can function socially and hold down a jobn• They do not generally avoid certain situations n• They may have difficulty carrying out the simplest daily activities if their anxiety is severennHow many people are affected by this disorder?nn• GAD affects about 6.8 million adult AmericansnnWho is most likely to be affected?nn• About twice as many women as menn• The disorder starts gradually and can begin across the life cyclen• The risk is highest between childhood and middle agennIs this disorder carried in our genes?nn• There is evidence that genes play a “modest” role in GADnnAre there ever any other illnesses present with this disorder?nn• GAD rarely occurs alonen• Other anxiety disorders such as depression or substance abuse is often presentnnIs there treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?nn• Treatment often consists of medication or cognitive-behavioral therapyn• Co-occurring conditions must also be treated with appropriate therapies.nnSource: National Institute of Mental HealthnnDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professionalnnnnThis article is FREE to publish with the resource box.nn© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reservednn