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Generalized anxiety disorder: Causes, symptoms & treatment
Generalized anxiety disorder: Causes, symptoms & treatment
Generalized anxiety disorder: Causes, symptoms & treatment

People who experience generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) exhibit excessive concern about multiple events or activities most days of the week. While it is not unusual for people to experience some stress as they go about their daily lives, GAD sufferers rarely get a break from their anxiety.

Although some of the symptoms and reactions may be similar to those of a phobia (an extreme, irrational fear), GAD is not a direct response to a specific situation or experience. Sufferers experience unease that casts a shadow over all of their activities.

While not nearly as intense as a panic attack, the unease lasts much longer and is a constant presence in the lives of patients, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

"It is just a constant feeling of dread," said Thelma Duffey, a professor and chairwoman of the Department of Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio, a licensed counselor and president-elect of the American Counseling Association. "Patients have a constant feeling of tension and anxiety that never goes away. They worry about things that have not yet even happened,” she told Live Science.

GAD affects about 6.8 million American adults and strikes twice as many women as men, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).That translates to about 3.1%of the adult population suffering from the disorder, and about one-third of those cases can be classified as severe.

Generalized anxiety disorder: Symptoms

Though people who suffer from GAD worry about the same things that other people do — relationships, money, health, work, etc. — they have a much higher level of worry that is nearly constant. The level of concern is not in sync with reality and is greatly magnified. Most people with GAD realize that their concerns are overblown, but they cannot seem to shake their anxiety, according to the NIMH.

Duffey said GAD patients are aware that their anxiety level is high compared to that of others, but they feel shame and embarrassment to address the problem. "They know better, but they can't help the negative thoughts," she said.

Dr. Andrew Gilbert

Child and Adult Psychiatrist

Dr. Andrew Gilbert is is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and medical director of the Hallowell Center in New York City. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.

An imbalance of naturally occurring brain chemicals — such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine — is often seen in people with GAD and could be an indicator of a propensity to develop the disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. An imbalance of these chemicals, called neurotransmitters, can impact emotional stability and mental well-being.

Enduring a trauma, especially during childhood, is also linked to GAD, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those who experienced abuse or trauma as a child, including witnessing a traumatic event, are at higher risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder.

GAD and addiction

Those with anxiety disorders are two to three times more likely than the general population to abuse alcohol or other substances at some point in their lives, according to the ADAA. About 20% of Americans with an anxiety or mood disorder, such as depression, have an alcohol or other substance-abuse disorder, according to the ADAA.

GAD sufferers are cautioned to avoid alcohol and drug use, even nicotine and caffeine, which can increase anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, as quitting can also cause anxiety, it recommends seeing a doctor for a treatment program or support group that can help.

Generalized anxiety disorder: Treatment

GAD can be treated with psychotherapy, medication or both, according to the NIMH.

A type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common method used to treat GAD and can be very helpful, according to the NIMH. This therapy teaches a patient new ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to situations.

"Numerous studies have found CBT effective treatment for GAD in children, adolescents and adults," Gilbert said.

Many GAD sufferers also benefit from self-help and support groups, where they can share their challenges and discuss coping mechanisms, according to the ADAA.

“Anxiety symptoms can be controlled using breathing techniques, as well as mindfulness and meditation,” said Lee.

Various types of medications can also be useful for treating GAD, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), according to the FDA.

Duffey said that while medication can be helpful for some GAD patients, she advocates for treatment that emphasizes lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, exercise and establishing a routine.

"I focus on knowledge, as knowledge is power and can provide a sense of hope and safety, as well as self-empowerment and self-acceptance," Duffey said.

"Don’t give up on treatment too quickly. Both psychotherapy and medication can take some time to work, " the NIMH states. "A healthy lifestyle can also help combat anxiety. Make sure to get enough sleep and exercise, eat a healthy diet and turn to family and friends who you trust for support."

Additional resources:

More information on anxiety disorders, from NIMH.What is Anxiety? From Anxiety.orgTips for dealing with anxiety, from ADAA.This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

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