Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Occasionally everyone feels anxious. Whether running late, taking a test, or interviewing for a job, at times we all have feelings of intense anxiety and stress. However, people with
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have these feelings almost constantly. People suffering from GAD are in an incessant state of worrying about their health, their family, their jobs, their daily responsibilities or the possibility of accidents and natural disasters. Even if those with this problem recognize the improbability of their fears coming to fruition, they find the emotions difficult to control.
Physical Stress
Stress manifests in physical ailments such as head and body aches, sleeping disorders, high blood pressure, and ulcers. The affliction is not uncommon. Every year about five percent of the U.S. population is experiencing generalized anxiety. Many people with GAD see their family doctors for relief of their physical symptoms without realizing the source.
Common Symptoms of GAD
In addition to ongoing and excessive anxiety for six months or more, people with GAD experience at least three of the following symptoms every day.
- Restless or edgy
- Easily fatigued
- Easily startled
- Difficulty concentrating
- A feeling of the mind going blank
- Sleeplessness
- Muscle tension
- Irritability/short temper
- Headaches, nausea, dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats/chills
- Irritable bowel syndrome/diarrhea
People with GAD are also prone to becoming depressed.
Causes of GAD
As with other disorders, the debate as to the origins of GAD are ongoing. Currently, it is believed that much like major depression, generalized anxiety is the result of both genetics and environment. There have been studies that have linked GAD to heredity. For these people, environmental triggers such as a traumatic experience can lead to developing GAD. It is a common belief among psychologists that the disorder is directly linked to a lack of stability in childhood.The Midwest Center's
Attacking Anxiety & Depression Program is a self-help program that assists people to manage their stress in a constructive, efficient way.
Who Suffers From GAD?
GAD usually appears in the late teens to early twenties. It can also start as late as the thirties or forties but very rarely develops later in life. Women are affected about twice as often as men. The World Health Organization estimates that only half of all cases are actually diagnosed.
Brain Chemistry
Two naturally-occurring chemicals in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine, are thought to be linked to general anxiety disorder. There are drug treatments available. In numerous studies, behavioral therapy has been proven to be as effective if not more effective than drug treatment.
What Can Be Done?
As previously mentioned, there are many drug treatments available for dealing with GAD. The disorder is often recurring, meaning that the symptoms can return after having been relieved for a period of time. For this reason, it is recommended that even with drug therapy, patients should attend some form of behavioral therapy. Teaching sufferers of GAD various relaxation techniques is helpful and regular exercise is also recommended to achieve some relief. Behavioral therapy teaches people how to wield greater problem-solving skills. In this way, they gain a greater sense of control over the world around them. Self-help programs like
Attacking Anxiety & Depression Program can teach victims of GAD to manage their stress in constructive ways.
