Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Treating Anxiety
Patients discuss effective treatments for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
"I have been suffering with general anxiety disorder (GAD) for almost 20 years now. The worst thing that I have found is
'doing nothing at all.' One of the things that has really helped me has been physical exercise, namely running. If I am able to put in about 20 miles per week, that significantly reduces my anxiety. A relatively low dose of
clonazepam at bedtime has dramatically increased my ability to sleep. Although I have read many books on anxiety, and gone through the
'Attacking Anxiety and Depression' series, the relatively new therapy called ACT (acceptance and
commitment therapy) is a very effective general approach to relieving some of my avoidance tendencies and not letting anxiety interfere with general life. Finally, deepening a spiritual walk of life through meditation and prayer has helped heal some of my past stressors. My experience with anxiety has been that there are both biochemical and environmental aspects to this problem, but it can be managed with some mindful awareness. People who have known me for years say that I am much more
'laid back' than I have been in the past. It is
'work,' but the payoff in living a joyous, effective life has been worth the energy." - BKSG
Read all comments on anxiety treatments »
Patient Discussions are not a substitute
for professional medical advice, or treatment.
See the disclaimer at the
bottom of the comments page.
Introduction to Anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD) is characterized
by excessive, exaggerated
anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for
worry. 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 can 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 GAD?
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 GAD?
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.
Next: How is anxiety diagnosed? »
- citalopram, Celexa - Information about citalopram (Celexa) an antidepressant drug prescribed for depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome.
- Lyme Disease - Get the facts on Lyme disease symptoms, signs, causes and transmission (bites from ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi), history, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
- lorazepam, Ativan - Describes the medication lorazepam (Ativan) an antianxiety drug used for the management of anxiety disorders and anxiety associated with depression. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
Latest Medical News
|
|
 |
From WebMD
Anxiety/Panic Disorder Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Anxiety
Emotional Eating »
How Can I Identify Eating Triggers?
Situations and emotions that trigger us to eat fall into five main categories.
- Social. Eating when around other people. For example, excessive
eating can result from being encouraged by others to eat; eating to fit in;
arguing; or feelings of inadequacy around other people.
- Emotional. Eating in response to boredom, stress, fatigue, tension,
depression, anger, anxiety or loneliness as a way to "fill the
void."
- Situational. Eating because the opportunity is there. For example,
at a restaurant, seeing an advertisement for a particular food, passing by a
bakery. Eating may also be associated with certain activities such as watching
TV, going to the movies or a sporting event, etc.
- Thoughts. Eating as a result of negative self-worth or making
excuses for eating. For example, scolding oneself for looks or a lack of ...
Read the Emotional Eating article »
|
Mental Health RSS