Generalized anxiety disorder - Essay Example

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Theories of aetiology The concept of generalized anxiety disorder as inherited disorder is one of the theories of its etiology. This theory explains that individuals from families whose members have ever developed the disorder have a high likelihood of developing the disorder. The brain chemistry theory explains that generalized anxiety disorder is caused by an unbalance in neurotransmitters. A psychological theory explains that generalized anxiety disorder is a natural response of the body to certain environmental stressors.

Isolation is another potential cause of generalized anxiety disorder because it denies individuals avenues through which they can vent out their feelings (Hoge et. al., 2004). Factors associated with generalized anxiety disorder Life events are one of the factors associated with generalized anxiety disorder. A life event such as the loss of a loved one can traumatize an individual precipitating generalized anxiety disorder. It is suspected that there could be a gene that plays a role in the development of generalized anxiety disorder.

Childhood trauma that could have because of loss or abuse is associated with the disorder. Intake of addictive substances including caffeine, alcohol and other drugs is a lifestyle that has a connection with generalized anxiety disorder. This is especially so when users of these addictives try to stop using them and withdrawal symptoms bring them intensified anxiety (Sokolowska & Hovatta, 2013). Pathology of generalized anxiety disorder Together with other anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety disorder increases the risk of disability especially when coupled with a physical illness.

Scientist have found a association between anxieties, including general anxiety disorder, and heart risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and thicker blood vessels. Generalized anxiety disorder can lead to poor response to heart disease treatment. Persons with generalized anxiety disorder can experience irritable bowel syndrome. Headaches can be a common feature in persons with generalized anxiety disorder. Sleep disorders and restless legs syndrome are other accompanying abnormalities associated with this anxiety disorder (Shelton, 2004).

Treatment options for generalized anxiety disorder Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants are used in pharmacological treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Benzodiazepines treat generalized anxiety disorder by strengthening the function of GABAA which inhibit the generation of action potential. Benzodiazepines differ in terms of their half –life and effect on the level of renal excretion. Tricyclic antidepressants work as effectively as benzodiazepines but at a slower pace. They work by affecting psychic symptoms and not somatic symptoms or hyperarousal.

The FDA approves the use of buspirone in the treatment of this disorder. Psychotherapy is one of the non-pharmacological treatments of generalized anxiety disorder. Cognitive behavior therapy is another effective treatment for this disorder. Relaxation techniques can help tone down the adverse effects of stress on persons with this disorder and reduce its effects on sleep (Hoge et. al., 2004). Technologies used for clinical diagnosis, care and basic science research on generalized anxiety disorder Multi-step screening process is one of the diagnostic and treatment evaluation tools for general anxiety disorder.

Quantitative trait locus mapping, proteomics and gene expression profiling have been used to examine for genes that regulate anxieties and manage their pathology. General anxiety disorder can be screened using the primary care evaluation of mental disorders (PRIME-MD) tool. This tool has been found effective in the care for persons with this anxiety disorder. Neuroimaging has been used in studying the biology of generalized anxiety disorder. Researchers have used positron emission tomography (PET) to measure changes in the cerebral glucose levels in persons with general anxiety disorder.

A combination of single photon emission tomography and specific benzodiazepine receptor radioligand helps researchers study the impact of the disorder on receptor cells in the brain’s left temporal pole (Sokolowska & Hovatta, 2013).ReferencesHoge, Elizabeth A., Oppenheimer, Julia E. & Simon, Naomi M. (2004). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Focus, 2(3): 346 – 359. Shelton,Charles I. (2004). Diagnosis and Management of Anxiety Disorders. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 104(3): S2 – S5.

Sokolowska, Ewa & Hovatta, Iiris. (2013). Anxiety genetics – findings from cross-species genome-wide approaches. Biology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders, 3:9.