Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive and unrealistic worry about everyday things. It's chronic and exaggerated worry and tension, even though nothing seems to provoke it. Having this disorder means always anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family, or work a co-worker's careless comment about the economy becomes a constant vision of an imminent pink slip; a spouse's criticism of a new outfit becomes dread that the marriage is over. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually realize that their anxiety is more intense than the situation calls for, though some convince themselves that their worrying is protective or otherwise helpful. The term for persistent anxiety that affects your day-to-day life is "anxiety disorder". 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. Along with phobias, panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder is among the most common anxiety disorders. Women are more likely than men are to experience generalized anxiety disorder. This worry is hard to control, and occurs on more days than not for at least six months. The unrelenting worry interferes with every day living and can affect all areas of life, including social, work/school and family.

It's only realistic to be worried about your finances after losing a job or your health if you start having chest pains. People with GAD feel their worrying is beyond their control and can't be turned "off." They often expect the worst, even when there is no good reason for concern. Anxiety is common and can be self-generating since the symptoms reinforce the reaction, often causing it to get worse and worse. They are unable to relax and often suffer from insomnia. Many people with GAD also have physical symptoms, such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headaches, irritability or hot flashes Generalized anxiety disorder causes excessive or unrealistic anxiety and worry about life circumstances, usually without a readily identifiable cause. This organ forms part of the subconscious mind and acts like a switch to control anxiety levels. When this switch becomes stuck in the ON position due to stress, bereavement or other anxiety provoking life experiences, the Amygdala becomes re-set at this higher level and general anxiety disorder is formed. There is some evidence that genetics play a role in the development of GAD. Medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, dealing with a serious illness, and stress can play a role in causing GAD. Living with generalized anxiety disorder can be difficult, but treatment is available. Medications and professional counseling or therapy can help you cope with the effects of generalized anxiety disorder.

Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The common Causes of Generalized-anxiety-disorder :

• Certain disorders, such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), can produce anxiety, among other signs and symptoms.
• Having a serious physical illness, such as cancer, can make you anxious. Worrying about the implications of your diagnosis and possible treatment can become excessive and overwhelming.
• Generalized anxiety disorder appears to run in some families.
• The cause of GAD is not known, but biological and psychological factors play a role .

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Some common Symptoms of Generalized-anxiety-disorder :

• Restlessness.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Feeling of being keyed up or on edge.
• Fatigue.
• Irritability.
• Being easily fatigued.
• Muscle tension -- shakiness, headaches.
• Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep).
• Excessive sweating .
• Stomachache.

Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Treatment may involve medications (benzodiazepines, buspirone), behavioral approaches (desensitization to the anxiety -producing situation, relaxation techniques), group, family, or couples therapy, and peer support groups.
• People suffering from anxiety disorders often participate in this type of therapy, in which you learn to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings.
• Some adolescents may also benefit from treatment with antidepressant or antianxiety medication to help them feel calmer.
• Treatment recommendations may include cognitive behavioral therapy for the adolescent, with the focus being to help the child or adolescent learn skills to manage his/her anxiety and to help him/her master the situations that contribute to the anxiety.
• Buspirone appears to be as effective as benzodiazepines and antidepressants in controlling anxiety symptoms. It is slower to take effect (about two-three weeks), but has fewer side effects. In addition, it treats the worry associated with GAD rather than the muscle tension.