More Than Just Worry, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (gad)

If everyday life stresses you out completely, if every day challenges of your life seem like an insurmountable obstacle to you, and if you have constant worry about all the little things in your life you could be suffering from what is known as generalized anxiety disorder, also known as GAD. GAD is typified by extreme and irrational worry over the everyday things in life. What's more is that this worry is uncontrollable and is completely out of kilter to the actual source of the worry. As you obsess over worries that most others can take in stride, you also may have some physical symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, headaches, restlessness, muscle aches, sweating, insomnia and a host of other indicators. To be diagnosed with GAD the symptoms must have persisted consistently for at least six months.

In 2007, the National Institute of Mental Health reported that about 6.8 million adults in the U.S. could be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder.

As for the treatment once diagnosed, an array of different classes of medications can be used effectively in generalized anxiety disorder. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta (duloxetine) Effexor (venlafaxine) can be effective in long term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Another class of medications known as Benzodiazepines suc as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (alorazepam) are generally very effective in early parts of the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

Aside from the medications, a particular form of psychotherapy known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) could be as effective as some of the medications. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a short term time limited form of therapy (usually 8-16 sessions) that helps individuals through cognitive distortions that are common in generalized anxiety disorder.

There is also some scientific evidence that complementary and alternative treatment can be effective in treatment of GAD. Kava kava is an herb that has been used in people with anxiety disorders. Acupuncture, yoga, and massage therapy can also be helpful for some people with GAD.

If you believe you suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), I urge you strongly to seek treatment from a licensed health care provider. This treatment should preferably be from a licensed mental health provider such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or a clinical social worker. With the proper treatment, over time you'll see your life improve considerably.


Copyright (c) 2010 Dr. Arshia Alec Shirzadi