generalized anxiety disorder

DEFINITION• Generalized anxiety disorder is an

anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive uncontrollable and irrational worry about everyday things.

• GAD is a common chronic disorder characterized by long-lasting anxiety that is not focused on any one objects or situation.

EPIDERMIOLOGY OF GAD

• The usual age of onset is variable – from childhood to late adulthood, with the median age of onset approximately 31 years

• Women are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from GAD than men.

• GAD is also common in the elderly population.

CAUSES

•GENETICS•BRAIN CHEMISTRY:- GAD

has been associated with abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

•ENVIORNMENTAL FACTORS:- Trauma and stressful events, such as abuse, the death of a loved one, Divorce, Changing jobs or Schools may lead to GAD.

•A:- Excessive anxiety and worry , occurring more than six months.

•B:- The person finds it difficult to control the worry

The following criteria must be met for a

person to be Diagnosed with GAD

•C:- The anxiety and worry are associated with three of the following six symptoms.

•Only one item is required in children

1.Restlessness or feeling keyed up.

2.Being easily fatigued3.Irritability4.Muscle tension5.Difficulty falling or staying

asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep

6.Difficulty in concentrating or the mind going blank.

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Tachycardia• Chest pain• Yawning• Dry mouth• Nausea• Abdominal pain• Diarrhea• Tension Headache• Tinnitus

• Sweating• Dyspepsia (Feeling of

fullness with very little intake of food )

• Dysphagia (Difficulty in Swallowing)

• Sexual Dysfunctions• Dropped Beats

PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

• Anxious Mood• Worry or Fear• Irritability• Feeling Restless• Nightmares• Feeling of being unable to

cope

Treatment of GAD is a combination

of Medication and Therapy

A. PHARMACOTHERAPY

1. Benzodiazepines:- Common benzodiazepines includes Librium, Valium and Ativan

2. Antidepressants:- such as Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft

B. PSYCHOTHERAPY

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPYCBT is a psychological method of

treatment for GAD. Which involves a therapist working with the patient to understand how thoughts ad feeling influence behavior.

Anxiety disorders like GAD cannot be

prevented.However, there are

some things that you can do to control

• Stop or Reduce your consumption of products that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolates.

• Exercise daily and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

• Practice stress management techniques like Yoga or Meditation.

• Support after traumatic or disturbing experience.