Generalised
Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalised
anxiety disorder (GAD) is a psychological disorder. It involves chronic,
repeated episodes of anxiety. Anxiety, morbid fear and dread are often
accompanied by decreased functioning and major lifestyle adjustment and
limitations.
Symptoms
of GAD include:
- excessive anxiety interfering with many areas
of life
- muscle tension
- shortness of breath
- excessive sweating
- palpitations
- stomach and bowel problems
- irritability
- startled reactions
- lightheadedness
- diarrhoea
- apprehension
- impatience
- feelings of imminent danger
- restlessness
- inability to relax
- difficulty concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- lack of enjoyment
- difficulty controlling worry
The anxiety disrupts many areas of life. Unlike other anxiety disorders,
individuals with generalised anxiety disorder do not avoid situations
as a result of the disorder. However, the symptoms can still interfere
with routine activities. Individuals with this disorder respond inaccurately
to perceived dangers. They tend to pay attention to the negative details
in a situation. They have little faith in their own ability to cope with
their lives.
GAD
typically begins in childhood or adolescence. It can also begin in adulthood.
It is more common among women. Theories consider genetics and social factors
to be important in the development of chronic anxiety.
GAD
is not the result of a medical condition, medication or a substance use
disorder. Psychosocial factors are thought to contribute to GAD.
Treatment
of GAD involves managing the demands that cause the problems. Increasing
the ability to cope with situations can help. This includes a support
system and an individual's coping skills. Reducing demands or expectations
can help.
Anxiety-reducing
techniques can be used. These include:
- relaxation exercises, such as meditation, self-hypnosis,
breathing exercises.
- exercise.
- getting adequate sleep.
- dietary changes. These changes may include decreasing
the use of caffeine, alcohol or other drugs known to produce anxiety.
- Counselling for specific problem areas, such
as parenting skills, marital, family, career or academic issues may
be helpful.
- Some individuals may benefit from systematic
desensitisation for specific fears, gradually overcoming thier fear.
- It is often helpful to increase the persons support
systems by providing assistance with childcare, housekeeping and household
tasks.
Diagnosing
an anxiety disorder is usually done by a Psychiatrist or Psychologist.
Symptoms are reviewed with the individual. A complete medical and mental
history will be conducted. It is important also to exclude physical cause.
Lifestyle factors will be discussed. These include alcohol or drug use,
stresses, recent life changes, medical illnesses, or relationship factors.
To be diagnosed with the disorder, a person has to have had symptoms of
GAD most days for the past six months.
A
thorough evaluation should include questions about the issues and events
that increase anxiety. These will include questions about type, quality,
timing pattern, aggravating or triggering factors.
.
The
treatments for GAD are similar to the prevention methods listed above.
A combination of lifestyle changes, stress reduction, relaxation techniques,
counselling or medication may be effective. Cognitive behavioural therapy
is useful.
Medications
may be used to treat anxiety. Examples of these medications inlcude, antidepressants,
such as sertraline, fluoxetine, or citalopram, and beta blockers, such
as propranolol or atenolol may be used. Most people respond very well to treatment and
are able to return to their daily activities after being treated with
therapy and medication. Often, medication is given for a long time (1-2
years).