Job Hazards

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

There really is no comparison between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and the amount of anxiety that the average person experiences over the course of a day. The heightened amount of concern and apprehension is chronic, although nothing appears to set it off. People who have this condition always expect adversity and frequently worry immensely about medical, financial, or occupational issues. Oftentimes, the root of this agony is difficult to identify, and just the idea of making it through another day is enough to initiate these feelings. Someone suffering from GAD can never seem to dismiss these worries, but they often understand that their level of anxiety is well beyond the seriousness of the situation.

Symptoms of GAD

Some common symptoms of GAD include:

• Inability to relax
• Problems falling or remaining asleep
• Shaking
• Muscle tightness
• Headaches
• Short temper
• Sweating
• Hot flashes
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Frequent trips to the bathroom
• Exhaustion
• Difficulty focusing
• Depression

The social impact of GAD is fairly mild, and those with this condition do not really feel as if it affects their behavior among others or their productivity on the job. As opposed to other anxiety disorders, someone suffering from GAD will not consciously avoid situations. However, a severe case of GAD can be extremely impairing, impeding the accomplishment of some of the most basic activities of the day.

GAD takes time to develop and normally begins during the later years of childhood or early adolescence. However, it can also appear during adulthood. The disorder affects more females than males and tends to run in the family. The criteria for GAD diagnosis requires that the patient has spent a minimum of six months worrying excessively about numerous daily incidents that normally would not warrant concern to such an extent.

Symptoms related to GAD become less prevalent with age. A common medication used to treat the condition is called buspirone. Studies regarding the potency of other drugs like benzodiazepines and antidepressants continue. Alternative treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback to ease muscle tension.