In this Article

• 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?
• Patient Discussions: Anxiety - Effective Treatments
• Anxiety Glossary
• Anxiety Index

Are There Complications of Treatment?

Dependency on anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) is a potential complication of treatment. Other side effects of medications include sleepiness and sexual problems.

What Is the Outlook for People With Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Although many people with GAD cannot be cured, most people gain substantial relief from their symptoms with treatment.

Can Generalized Anxiety Disorder Be Prevented?

Anxiety disorders cannot be prevented. However, there are some things that you can do to control or lessen symptoms, including:

• Stop or reduce your consumption of products that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies. Many contain chemicals that can increase anxiety symptoms.
• Exercise daily and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Seek counseling and support after a traumatic or disturbing experience.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.

Reviewed by Amal Chakraburtty, MD, on Mar. 1, 2007

Edited on July 1, 2005

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

Anxiety - Effective Treatments

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