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WHAT IS GAD?
A sufferer typically:
- Experiences relentless and exaggerated anxiety in the absence of valid concerns, which can be debilitating
- Is prone to always expect the worst
- Blows things out of proportion
- Grapples with all-consuming fear and dread to the point of it interfering with their ability to live a normal life
THERE ARE FIVE MAJOR ANXIETY DISORDERS
Back to top- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social phobia (or social anxiety disorder)
This brochure is based on generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF GAD (GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER)
Back to top- Headaches
- Constant worry
- Difficulty sleeping
- Exaggerated worry
- Muscle tension
- Easily startled
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Back to top- Dizziness/immobility
- Headaches
- Difficulty with concentration
- Sweating
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Rapid breathing or breathlessness
- Increased blood pressure
- Muscle tension
- Frequent urination
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Change in sleep patterns
- Trembling
EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
Back to top- Excessive worrying
- Irritability or agitation
- Restlessness
- Feeling tense or highly strung
- Being on edge
The above illustrates that GAD cannot be ignored or dismissed as a “mental issue”. Rather, it can be crippling and presents immense challenges to an individual’s general health and physical wellbeing.
DEPRESSION VERSUS ANXIETY
Back to topAlthough depression and anxiety differ considerably, there are some commonalities, such as:
- Restlessness
- Excessive worrying
- Agitation
NORMAL STRESS IN COMPARISON TO GAD
THE PROBLEM GOES BEYOND GAD
Back to topThose with GAD may, in addition, also experience one or more of the following:
- Irrational fears
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Clinical depression
- Addiction problems (drugs, alcohol)
- Generalised panic disorder
- Burnout
GAD cannot be ignored or dismissed as a “mental issue”. Rather, it can be crippling and presents immense challenges to an individual’s general health and physical wellbeing.
CAUSES
Back to topThe exact cause has not yet been established. However, experts agree that several factors may play a role, such as:
- The incorrect functioning of certain nerve cell pathways, particularly those that are involved with emotions and thinking.
- These pathways depend on messengers, called neurotransmitters, to connect.
- Thus, problems with these nerve cell pathways and/or messengers may result in “faulty” connections, and subsequently GAD.
- Genetics
- Family history may increase the likelihood of the disorder
- Environmental factors
- Trauma
- Stressful event
- Substance withdrawal
DIAGNOSIS
Back to topThe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) defines the diagnosis for mental health professionals as:
For children, the anxiety and worry are associated with fewer (one or more) of the six symptoms compared to adults (three or more).
The process may entail:
- Medical and psychiatric history
- A physical examination and lab tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms
- Reports on the intensity and time-frame of the symptoms
- Evaluation of the degree of the dysfunction
MANAGEMENT
Back to topGAD is usually managed through medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy, addressing both physical and emotional symptoms
COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY
Back to top- Learning more about the condition
- Changes in thought and behavioural patterns
- Relaxation techniques
MEDICATION
Back to top- Short-term sedative-hypnotics
- Certain anti-depressants (SSRI’s & SNRI’s)
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Other ranges of medication may also play a role, including pregabalin and agomelatine
ADDITIONAL MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
Back to top- Exercise and a healthy diet
- Avoiding or reducing caffeine, nicotine and alcohol
- Adequate sleep
- A support structure
Christopher Gale, Oliver Davidson, Generalised anxiety disorder
Larry Culpepper, Kathryn M. Connor, Effective Recognition and Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Primary Care
Alexander Bystritsky, Sahib S. Khalsa, Michael E. Cameron, Jason Schiffman, Current Diagnosis and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Klingler, Amy M. MS, PA-C, Generalized anxiety disorder
Janet M. Torpy, MD; Alison E. Burke, MA; Robert M. Golub, MD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder
AMY B. LOCKE, MD, FAAFP; NELL KIRST, MD; and CAMERON G. SHULTZ, PhD, MSW, Diagnosis and Management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults
Christopher Gale, Mark Oakley-Browne, Generalised anxiety disorder
Elizabeth A Hoge, Gregory L Fricchione, Generalized anxiety disorder: diagnosis and treatment
Nita V Bhatt, MD, MPH, Matthew J Baker, DO, David Bienenfeld, MD, William R Yates, MD, MS, Anxiety Disorders
Dennis Anthony Nutter, Jr, MD, Pediatric Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Judith A Dygdon and Kimberly A Dienes, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression: A Learning Theory Connection
David S. Baldwin, Sarah Waldman, Christer Allgulander, Evidence-based pharmacological treatment of generalized anxiety disorder
Pasquale RobergeEmail author, François Normand-Lauzière, Isabelle Raymond, Mireille Luc, Marie-Michèle Tanguay-Bernard, Arnaud Duhoux, Christian Bocti and Louise Fournier, Generalized anxiety disorder in primary care: mental health services use and treatment adequacy
Treatment options for generalized anxiety disorder
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