Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Many times people think their feelings are unique, the product of their own lives and experiences. Read
this brief description and see if it sounds like
you. Many people share these patterns. You can begin to seek help to feel better.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by 6 months or more of
chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe
than the normal anxiety most people experience. People with this disorder
usually expect the worst; they worry excessively about money, health, family, or
work, even when there are no signs of trouble. They are unable to relax and
often suffer from insomnia. Many people with GAD also have physical symptoms,
such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headaches, irritability or hot
flashes. Fortunately, through research supported by the National Institute of
Mental Health (NIMH) and by industry, effective treatments have been developed
to help people with GAD.
How Common Is GAD?
- About 2.8% of the adult U.S. population ages 18 to 54 - approximately 4
million Americans - has GAD during the course of a given year.
- GAD most often strikes people in childhood or adolescence, but can begin in
adulthood, too. It affects women more often than men.
What Causes GAD?
Some research suggests that GAD may run in families,
and it may also grow worse during
stress. GAD usually begins at an earlier age
and symptoms may manifest themselves more slowly than in most other anxiety
disorders.
What Treatments Are Available for GAD?
Treatments for GAD include
medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Can People With GAD Also Have Other Illnesses?
Research shows that GAD
often coexists with
depression, substance abuse, or other anxiety disorders.
Other conditions associated with stress, such as
irritable bowel syndrome, often
accompany GAD. Patients with physical symptoms such as insomnia or headaches
should also tell their doctors about their feelings of worry and tension. This
will help the patient's health care provider to recognize that the person is
suffering from GAD.
For more, please visit
Focus On Depression.Portions of the above information have been provided with the kind permission
of the National Institute of Mental Health. (www.nimh.nih.gov).
Last Editorial Review: 7/8/2004
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