Generalized anxiety disorder - Essay Example

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Table of Contents I. Introduction …………………………………………………………….. 3 II. About GAD ……………………………………………………………… 3 III. Probable Causes of GAD …………………………………………….. 3 IV. Common Symptoms and Diagnosis of GAD ……………………… 4 V. Available Treaments for GAD ……………………………………….. 4 VI. Recommendations on How a Person could avoid Experiencing GAD …………………………………………………….. 5 VII.

Conclusion …………………………………………………………….. 5 References …………………………………………………………………….. 6 Introduction As much as 6.8 American adults who are diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). (Kessler, Chiu and Demler, 2005) Based on Robins and Regier (1991) report, two-thirds of the American people who are suffering from GAD are women. Although GAD exists in different ages, children and middle age groups have a higher risk in experiencing GAD.

(Robins and Regier, 1991) For this study, the researcher will examine the possible causes of GAD followed by determining its common symptoms. Eventually, the researcher will discuss the available treaments for GAD. Prior to the conclusion, the researcher will provide some recommendations on how a person could avoid experiencing GAD. About GAD A generalized anxiety disorder is normally characterized with chronic anxiety or exaggerated worry or tension. (Haines, 2005) In the process, people who are going through GAD are normally restless, easily fatigue and irritable.

(Medscape Medical News, 2003) In fact, most of these patients often expect serious problems to happen with regards to their health, money, family life including their work or school activities and performance. The problem with GAD is that patients are unable to control the degree of their worrying. In most cases, extreme worrying, fear and anxiety significantly affect the normal functioning of their everyday life. Probable Causes of GAD Among the possible causes of GAD includes excessive worrying for more than six months.

(Robins and Regier, 1991) Several studies also reveal that GAD can be triggered by a person’s genes (Kendler et al., 1992) or the abnormal level of neurotransmitters in the brain. (Stephens, 2005) Environmental factors such as the death of a loved one, divorce cases, losing or changing jobs or schools and any other traumatic and stressful situations like physical, mental or emotional abuse could trigger the presence of GAD. The use or withdrawal from any forms of addictive substances like nicotine, caffeine and alcohol could also increase a person’s anxiety.

Common Symptoms and Diagnosis of GAD People who are suspected to experience GAD are normally diagnosed through questioning of their medical history combined with physical examination. (Haines, 2005) Basically, there is not laboratory test that could diagnose GAD. Instead, physicians normally base their diagnosis by looking for any signs of physical illness and the causes, duration, and seriousness of these symptoms. Among the common symtoms of GAD includes stiff muscle, inability to relax, irritability, insomia and other physical symtoms like fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headache and irritability.

(Stephens, 2005) Available Treaments for GAD GAD is commonly treated either through proper medication particularly the benzodiazepines or tranquilizers such as Valium, Ativan, Librium and Xanax. Other pharmacological drugs like BuSpar as well as the other antidepressant drugs such as Paxil and Effexor can also be used in treating chronic anxiety. (Haines, 2005) Basically, tranquilizers are used to pacify and calm the patient in order to lessen the level of their anxiety, fear or worrying. As soon as the patient is relaxed, it is easier to release their muscle tension caused by restlessness.

Sometimes, therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, deep breathing techniques or biofeedback also used in controlling the muscle tension of patients with GAD. (Haines, 2005; Stephens, 2005) Recommendations on How a Person could avoid Experiencing GAD To prevent suffering from GAD, there is a need to lessen the consumption of beverages with caffeine including coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate. It is also necessary to promote a regular daily exercise and eat a balance diet.

(Haines, 2005; Stephens, 2005) When experiencing serious problems in life, seeking the professional help of the counsellors could lessen the psychological and emotional impact caused by traumatic life experiences. Conclusion Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is very common disease among the young and middle-age American adults. Although genes may contribute to the existence of GAD, external factors that are traumatic by nature increases the probability for anyong to experience GAD. Even though GAD can be treated using pharmacological treatments and physchological therapy such as counselling, it is better for health care professionals to teach the people on different ways that could enable them to prevent GAD.

References: Haines, Cynthia. "WebMD Helath." July 2005. Generalized Anxiety Disorder. 7 April 2008 . Kendler, K.S., et al. "Generalized anxiety disorder in women. A population-based twin study." Archives of General Psychiatry (1992): 49(4):267 - 272. Kessler, R.C., et al. "Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R)." Archives of General Psychiatry (2005): 62(6):617 - 627. "Medscape Medical News." 22 April 2003.

Paroxetine Safe, Effective in Generalized Anxiety Disorder . 7 April 2008 . Robins, L.N. and D.A. Regier. Psychiatric disorders in America: the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study. New York: The Free Press, 1991. Stephens, Laura. "Psychology Today." 2 November 2005. Generalized Anxiety Disorder . 7 April 2008 .