Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Introduction to anxiety
• What are the symptoms of anxiety?
• What causes anxiety?
• How common is anxiety?
• How is anxiety diagnosed?
• How is anxiety treated?
• Are there complications of anxiety treatment?
• What is the outlook for people with anxiety?
• Can anxiety be prevented?
• Related anxiety articles on WebMD:
  Anxiety
  Social anxiety disorder

Anxiety Worsens Hot Flashes Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Controlling lifestyle stress and anxiety may help reduce the number and severity of hot flashes associated with menopause, according to doctors at the University of Pennsylvania. Hot flashes are perhaps the most troublesome symptom associated with approaching menopause and are experienced by a majority of women during the transition to menopause. Researchers studied over 400 Caucasian and African American women between 37 and 47 years of age who still had regular menstrual cycles. The women took tests that measured their anxiety levels at the start of the study and again following a six-year period. After six years, many of the women were experiencing hot flashes and irregular menstrual periods, two signs of approaching menopause. Read more about what the anxiety tests revealed » Top Searched Anxiety Terms: causes, medications, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, stress, anxiety disorders, Lexapro, depression, panic attacks, children, definition, treatment, physical symptoms, types, symptoms

Introduction to anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder or GAD is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events. People with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder tend to always expect disaster and can't stop worrying about health, money, family, work or school. In people with GAD, the worry often is unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear and dread. Eventually, the anxiety so dominates the person's thinking that it interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities and relationships.

What Are the Symptoms of GAD?

GAD affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of GAD include:

• Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
• An unrealistic view of problems
• Restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy"
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea
• The need to go to the bathroom frequently
• Tiredness
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Trembling
• Being easily startled

In addition, people with GAD often have other anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias), suffer from depression, and/or abuse drugs or alcohol.

What Causes Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

The exact cause of GAD is not fully known, but a number of factors -- including genetics, brain chemistry and environmental stresses -- appear to contribute to its development.

• Genetics: Some research suggests that family history plays a part in increasing the likelihood that a person will develop GAD. This means that the tendency to develop GAD may be passed on in families.
• Brain chemistry: GAD has been associated with abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are special chemical messengers that help move information from nerve cell to nerve cell. If the neurotransmitters are out of balance, messages cannot get through the brain properly. This can alter the way the brain reacts in certain situations, leading to anxiety.
• Environmental factors: Trauma and stressful events, such as abuse, the death of a loved one, divorce, changing jobs or schools, may lead to GAD. GAD also may become worse during periods of stress. The use of and withdrawal from addictive substances, including alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, can also worsen anxiety.

How Common Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

About 4 million adult Americans suffer from GAD during the course of a year. It most often begins in childhood or adolescence, but can begin in adulthood. It is more common in women than in men.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

alprazolam, Xanax, Kanax XR, Niravam - Learn more about Alprazolam (Xanax), including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects. Source:MedicineNet Penis Pump - Learn about penis pumps (vacuum constriction devices) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence. Pumps help a man maintain an erection. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic Depression - Learn depression symptoms, treatment, medications, causes, statistics, facts, signs and types (manic [bipolar], major [clinical], postpartum). Source:MedicineNet Read 197 more Anxiety related articles ... Taranabant May Help Dieters Lose Weight Autism Cases on the Rise; Reason for Increase a Mystery Health Tip: Have Hives? 15 Million Americans Suffer From Social Anxiety Disorder Health Tip: Risk Factors for Alcohol Abuse Obesity Drug Shows Mixed Success Against Atherosclerosis Social Problems in Youth Contribute to Anxiety, Depression How Common Are Mental Health Problems? 'Worry' Spot in Brain Found Sleep Disorder Linked to Neurodegenerative Conditions