Generalized Anxiety Disorder

As the name implies, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves anxiety that is not attached to particular objects or situations. For GAD to be diagnoses, the anxiety and worry must have endured for at least 6 months, and must cause clinically significant distress. The person must find it difficult to control the worry. Three or more of the following symptoms must be present: restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. The anxiety must not be focused, for example, on a specific fear of a phobic object or of being embarrassed in a public performance, as in social phobia, or another diagnosis would be more appropriate;. Relatively little is certain about generalized anxiety disorder; a surprising number of people, about 3%, appear to be eligible for the diagnosis at any given time. A number of medications, as well as psychotherapy, may be helpful for GAD. At the May, 2000, meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, a report indicated that the anti-depressant drug paroxetine HCl (brand name, Paxil) effectively reduced anxiety in patients with GAD. However, Paxil had not then been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use with GAD. 

If you or someone you love has generalized anxiety disorder, you may find relief if you consult a mental health professional (clinician, therapist). A mental health professional  will conduct a thorough evaluation  to first understand what is happening and then will discuss treatment options, including medications.

There are many ways family members or loved ones can help individuals to deal with their disorder better. To read a personal case history of a complex anxiety disorder, click here.

Read a book on the subject:  

Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne

Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic : A Step-By-Step Program for Regaining Control of Your Life by Reneau Z. Peurifoy

Visit a useful site on anxiety and panic.

                                                                                                                                Last updated  12/19/03