General anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by uncontrollable worry and excessive stress about daily
concerns. The frequency, duration and intensity of the anxiety are abnormally high. This results in
interruption of regular daily activities.
This condition greatly affects 5% of the American population. It is more prevalent in
women than men and in the young than the old. People exhibit symptoms
like tension, restlessness, hyperactivity, fear, rumination, worrying and inconsistency.
Those with general anxiety disorders often worry unreasonably about things like their finances, health, job and their
family. Those with GAD worry over minor matters
like deadlines, appointments, cleaning the house and keeping the workplace organized.
Who is at risk?
30% of General Anxiety Disorder is hereditary, but there are traits that make people become more likely
to developing it. People who are naturally nervous, depressed or unable to tolerate frustration are more
likely to show symptoms of GAD.
People with the condition have a higher tendency to create conflict with other people and are very hard
on themselves. They choose to evade situations that lead to fear, worry or anxiety. They may also suffer
underachievement in education and the workplace. Substance abuse becomes a possibility.
The following are signs that treatment is necessary:
- Excessive anxiousness and worry that occurs for more than six months causing interruptions in daily
activities such as school or work performance.
- Restlessness, always on the edge or keyed up
- Sleeping hours are often interrupted and has a hard time falling asleep again
Treatment for GAD
Medications and cognitive behavioral therapy are most common treatments. When the two are
combined, symptoms are alleviated. Medication alone can already reduce the anxiety of the patient.
However, it will not be able to entirely eliminate the disorder.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that are often the
first choice in treating social anxiety disorder. These drugs lift the level of serotonin.
This is also the first drug that has been formally approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
There may be side effects as the body adjusts to the medication. Symptoms such as insomnia, headaches and
nausea are normal. There are also changes in sexual behavior. It is not yet certain whether the medication is
safe for pregnant women.
Anti-depressants such as SNRIs and SSRIs are commonly used in order to remedy GAD. Luvox, Faverin, Zoloft,
Seroxat, Paxil, Celexa, Cipralex, Lexapro are examples of SSRI while Efexor, Lyrica are examples of SNRI.
Pregabalin or lyrica is used as well. Diazepam and alprazolam, or forms of benzodiazepenes, are also used
in order to treat the ailment in short-term but they are not recommended because continuous use of this
often result to dependency on the drug.
Psychotherapy
Another remedy for general anxiety disorder is psychotherapy. There are two main components.
The cognitive component assists in making
people aware of how they can change thinking patterns to overcome their fears. The chief advantage of this
treatment is obviously that it can be effective, but with less side effects and risk involved.
NEXT: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
|
