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Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Texas

Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is a psychiatric problem in which anxiety is not a temporary state but a chronic condition. While it is normal for all individuals to worry about an upcoming event such as an examination or job interview, patients with GAD are in a perpetual state of anxiety, unable to relax. The disorder may become so severe that it interferes with school, work or relationships. GAD is a very common disorder, affecting millions of individuals in the United States alone. More than twice as many women as men suffer from the disorder.

Causes of GAD

While precise causes for GAD have not been determined, the disorder is believed to be the result of abnormalities in the brain that may be, at least partially, hereditary. Hormonal changes, like those that occur prior to or during menstruation or during menopause, may be a factor in the development of the disorder, accounting for the fact that females are noticeably more prone to the disorder than men. GAD is thought to be exacerbated by environmental factors like trauma or extreme stress.

Symptoms of GAD

Symptoms of GAD, which most commonly begin during childhood or adolescence, may begin in adulthood as well. These symptoms may be both psychological and physiological. Often diffuse, these symptoms may be accompanied by a fear of dying.
 

  • Psychological Symptoms

    • ​Excessive worry about small things

    • Perpetual worry

    • Anxiety without a perceived cause

    • Fear or dread

    • Inability to relax

    • Restlessness, irritability, tension

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Extreme or frequent startle response

  • ​Physiological Symptoms

    • ​Insomnia or other sleep disturbances

    • Headaches, fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness

    • Muscle aches, muscle twitching

    • Palpitations, chest pain

    • Gastrointestinal distress

    • Other aches and pains

    • Frequent urge to urinate

    • Breathlessness

    • Hot flashes or sweating

    • Trembling

    • Difficulty swallowing

    • Dry mouth

Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is typically treated through a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The types of medications typically prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder include antidepressants, tranquilizers, busiprone, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines. These medications may differ in the length of time they require to provide symptomatic relief. Sometimes patients are given benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium, to use temporarily until other medications, such as antidepressants, take effect. Several varieties of psychotherapy may be used in treating GAD. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be particularly helpful.

Alternative therapies, including various relaxation techniques and meditation are reported to assist some patients in maintaining a sense of calm. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants can also help relieve the symptoms of GAD. A strong support system of family and friends is also beneficial.

Diagnosing GAD

A psychiatrist can use a variety of treatments, alone or in combination, while caring for a patient. They include medication, therapy, hospitalization and various other treatments.
 

  • Medication
    A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and is authorized to prescribe medication. Medications are used to help correct chemical imbalances within the brain that contribute to mental health problems. Medications include antidepressants, stimulants and mood stabilizers.

  • Psychotherapy
    Psychiatrists often use psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or counseling, to help treat patients. It may take place between only the psychiatrist and the patient, or may involve other family members or coworkers, depending on the type of psychiatry and the issues that need to be addressed.

  • Hospitalization
    In some cases, a patient may seek help in either a psychiatric hospital, or in the psychiatric ward of a general hospital. Often, patients admit themselves voluntarily but, occasionally, if patients are considered a danger to themselves or others, they may be involuntarily committed. Psychiatric hospitals/wards are equipped to treat more serious mental disorders.

  • Other Types of Therapy
    Other examples of therapy a psychiatrist might use include electroconvulsive therapy, for patients who are severely depressed, and light therapy, for patients who suffer from seasonal depression.

Additional Resources
  • MedlinePlus

  • National Institutes of Health

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

  • WebMD

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