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Disorder of the Day. Category: Anxiety Disorders. Source: DSM-IV TR. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) . Characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things Interferes with daily functioning
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Disorder of the Day Category: Anxiety Disorders Source: DSM-IV TR
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) • Characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things • Interferes with daily functioning • Typically anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, death, relationship problems, etc.
Physical symptoms • Often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms (must be present for 6 months) • Fatigue • Fidgeting • Headaches • Nausea • Numbness in hands and feet • Muscle tension • Muscle aches • Difficulty swallowing • Difficulty concentrating • Twitching • Irritability • Insomnia • Hot flashes • Rashes
Prevalence • 6.8 million America adults suffer from GAD • 55 to 60 percent are women • 2 to 3 times more likely in women • Average age is 31
Potential causes • May run in families (genetic) • May be substance induced (benzodiazepines and alcohol) • Neurology – may not process fear and anxiety correctly
Treatment • Cognitive behavior therapy (learning perspective) • Therapist works with patient to understand how thoughts and feelings influence behavior • May include exposure strategies • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors