Anxiety (cont.)
How Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?
If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by asking
questions about your medical history and performing a physical examination.
Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose anxiety
disorders, the doctor may use various tests to look for physical illness as the
cause of the symptoms.
The doctor bases his or her diagnosis of GAD on reports of the intensity and
duration of symptoms -- including any problems with functioning caused by the
symptoms. The doctor then determines if the symptoms and degree of dysfunction
indicate a specific anxiety disorder. GAD is diagnosed if symptoms are present
for more days than not during a period of at least six months. The symptoms
also must interfere with daily living, such as causing you to miss work or
school.
How Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treated?
If no physical illness is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or
psychologist, mental health professionals who
are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Treatment for GAD
most often includes a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral
therapy.
- Medication: Medicines are available to treat GAD and may be especially helpful for people
whose anxiety is interfering with daily functioning. The medications most often
used to treat GAD are from a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These
medications are sometimes referred to as "tranquilizers," because they
leave you feeling calm and relaxed. They work by decreasing the physical
symptoms of GAD, such as muscle tension and restlessness. Common
benzodiazepines include Xanax, Librium, Valium and Ativan. Another medicine, BuSpar, also may be used to
treat chronic anxiety. BuSpar works by affecting the activity of certain
neurotransmitters, including serotonin. Unlike the benzodiazepines, BuSpar does
not cause sedation (sleepiness) or lead to dependency. Antidepressants, such as Paxil and Effexor, are also being used
to treat GAD.
- Cognitive-behavioral
therapy: 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. This type of therapy
helps limit distorted thinking by looking at worries more realistically.
In addition, relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and biofeedback,
may help to control the muscle tension that often accompanies GAD.
Next: Are there complications of anxiety treatment? »
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