Anxiety Disorders are characterized by chronic, seemingly uncontrollable excessive worry.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is classified as a pervasive worry experienced by the sufferer which lacks a specific reason or target of concern.

While the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) sufferer may realize his or her anxiety and worry is more intense than a particular situation or event warrants, he or she has difficulty controlling his or her worry and it often interferes with his or her ability to function normally and comfortably.

While not all Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) sufferers are mindful of the source of their anxiety, typical worries for adult GAD sufferers include matters related to health, finances, and family.

What are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Physical symptoms that often accompany the excessive worry of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) include trembling and nervousness, irritability, nausea, muscle tension, sleep disturbances and fatigue.

Others symptoms may include strange aches, pains, or numbness in the extremities, difficulty concentrating, and tightness of the throat or choking sensations.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), a guide used in the US to diagnose mental and mood related disorders, cites the following diagnostic criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

    * the anxiety and worry must be present more days than not for at least six months

    * the person feels that their worry is difficult to control

    * the anxiety and worry is associated with three or more of the physical symptoms listed above with some of the symptoms present for more days than not for six months

    * the anxiety and worry lacks a specific reason or target of concern (simplified point summary).

    * the anxiety, worry, and/or associated symptoms cause ‘clinically significant distress or impairment’ in normal day-to-day functioning

    * the anxiety and worry does not stem from the effects of substance abuse, a general medical or other mental condition (simplified summary)

Quick Facts about Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 4 million American adults age 18 to 54. More recent statistics cited by other sources puts this figure closer to 8 million American adults.

The onset of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can occur at any age but most commonly occurs between childhood and middle age.

Anxiety disorders can coexist with other ailments including depression, alcoholism, and other substance abuse.

While the exact cause of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is unknown, researches have focused their attention on a combination of risk factors including personality characteristics, genetics/biology, and environmental factors.

Treatment Options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

While exact treatment will of course vary from person to person based on severity, and other distinctive factors, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is typically treated with medications, therapy, or a combination the two.

Both antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are prescribed to reduce the symptoms associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Specifically, these drugs include benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and most recently selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Many forms of therapy are used in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), including psychotherapy, relaxation therapy and exposure therapy.

Perhaps the most researched and clinically proven form of treatment therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) with CBT

CBT is simply an integration of the cognitive (thought) restructuring approach of traditional cognitive therapy and the behavior modification techniques of traditional behavioral therapy.

CBT is a structured, short-term therapy that that is very goal oriented and conducive to change. It is an action-based form of therapy predicated on the premise that bad or faulty thinking patterns cause negative emotions and negative behaviors.

This treatment teaches people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) to understand and change their thinking patterns so they can change their behavior and emotional state. CBT teaches the individual to think and respond differently in situations that cause anxiety.

While medication and CBT are equally effective in reducing the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), CBT creates greater patient satisfaction and is clinically better than medications at preventing relapse.

There are also a number of relatively simple lifestyle changes you can institute on your own that may help relieve symptoms associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

    * Avoid products that contain caffeine such as coffee, colas, chocolate, etc.

    * Reduce intake of foods that are high in sugar and fats.

    * Get a moderate amount of aerobic exercise daily – consult your physician before beginning any exercise routine.

    * Practice some for of relaxation daily (guided imagery, muscle relaxation techniques, meditation, massage, yoga, etc.)

    * Limit your intake of alcohol.

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