What is GAD?GAD is characterized by chronic and excessive worry about a number of different topics. Most of us worry about things from time to time, but people with GAD find themselves worrying most of the time, even when there is little reason to worry. People with GAD also report that their worry feels uncontrollable, so they have trouble pushing it to the back of their minds or doing other things when they are worrying. The worry in GAD often interferes with a person’s day-to-day life, or is bothersome. For example, people with GAD may find themselves having difficulty working, sleeping, socializing, or enjoying themselves as a result of their worries. GAD is also characterized by a number of physical complaints during times of worry such as muscle tension, trouble sleeping, feeling tired, or feeling “keyed up.” People with GAD may also experience symptoms such as dry mouth, nausea, or trouble swallowing. Show
Official Criteria for GADBased on criteria from the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
What do People with GAD Worry About?People with GAD worry about many different things; in fact, some individuals with GAD will report that they worry about “everything.” Studies have shown that GAD worries are similar in content to the types of worries that people without GAD have. However, people with GAD tend to report worrying more frequently, about more topics, and for longer periods of time than do people without GAD. In addition, people with GAD tend to find it more difficult to control their worries, compared to people without GAD. Examples of topics about which people with GAD worry include:
Causes of GADBiological Factors
Psychological Factors
Effective Treatments for GADBiological TreatmentsA number of medications have been shown to be useful for treating generalized anxiety disorder, and more medications are currently being studied. Drugs that seem to be useful include antidepressant drugs as well as drugs that are traditionally used for treating anxiety. Examples of medications that are often helpful for generalized anxiety disorder include:
The decision of whether to take medication for GAD, and which medication to take should be based on the individual’s past treatment history, the individual’s medical history, possible interactions between the medication and other drugs that person may be taking, potential side effects, and other factors. Studies have suggested that the antianxiety medications often work more on the uncomfortable physical sensations (e.g., muscle tension, difficulty sleeping) while the other medications work more on the experience of feeling tense, anxious or worried. Psychological TreatmentsThe most well studied treatment of generalized anxiety disorder is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), though researchers are working on new psychological treatments for GAD to help those people who do not benefit from CBT or medications. CBT involves several strategies:
Combined TreatmentsBoth medication and CBT seem to be effective in treating GAD, though more research is needed to see if they are more effective in combination than on their own. For many people, the combination of medication and CBT does not work any better than either approach alone, although some individuals respond best to combination treatment. Preliminary studies suggest that CBT, which targets symptoms of anxiety and depression, may have a broader effect on symptoms than the antianxiety medications, which target only symptoms of anxiety. In addition, the effects of CBT appear to last longer than the effects of medication, once treatment has stopped. Did you know ...?
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© 2002 Karen Rowa, M.A. & Martin M. Antony, Ph.D. What is the anxiety disorder that is excessive unrealistic worry about life circumstances for six months or more?Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that produces fear, worry, and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It is characterized by excessive, persistent, and unrealistic worry about everyday things.
When a person worries about multiple issues longer than 6 months?GAD is a common anxiety disorder that involves constant and chronic worrying, nervousness, and tension. Unlike a phobia, where your fear is connected to a specific thing or situation, the anxiety of GAD is diffused—a general feeling of dread or unease that colors your whole life.
What are the 6 major types of anxiety disorders?The five major types of anxiety disorders are:. Generalized Anxiety Disorder. ... . Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) ... . Panic Disorder. ... . Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ... . Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder). Is a psychological disorder in which a person has an irrational overwhelming persistent fear of a particular object or situation?Phobias, Specific Phobia
A specific phobia is excessive and persistent fear of a specific object, situation or activity that is generally not harmful. Patients know their fear is excessive, but they can't overcome it. These fears cause such distress that some people go to extreme lengths to avoid what they fear.
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