by Lydia Fuller

Created on: November 03, 2009

Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects millions of Americans. The symptoms are both mental and physical, but with the right treatment patients can regain control and live healthy and happy lives.

The symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, include, but are not limited to: excessive worry about almost every aspect of daily life, such as work, family, health, friends and finances to name a few. All this worrying can manifest into insomnia, headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea. GAD can be caused by the environment around you, genetics and mental and/or physical stress. Substance abuse or chronic illness can also be key factors. It is unknown why, but women are twice as likely to develop Generalized Anxiety Disorder than men. If you or someone you know has had these symptoms for at least six months, it is time to go to the doctor. There is no point in prolonging the suffering.

After a diagnosis of GAD has been confirmed by a doctor, there are many ways to treat this disorder. If you choose to go the non medicated route you might try cognitive behavior therapy. This will pair you with a counselor or therapist and they will show you ways with which you may be able to control your anxiety. They can help you figure out certain triggers you might have that induce or exaggerate your worry. This will help you to avoid your triggers in the future.

For those of you who choose the pharmaceutical route, SSRIs and benzodiazepines may be just what you need to get your life on track. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are antidepressants that block your brain from reabsorbing serotonin. These can fix the delicate balance of chemicals that is required for the brain to function normally. A few examples of SSRIs are Prozac, Lexapro, Buspar and Zoloft.

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan can also be useful with GAD. These fast acting sedatives can be beneficial in short term usage but can be habit forming so they should be used with caution. Benzodiazepines can also cause drowsiness which could cause impair your driving.

Anyone can be affected with GAD but with many different treatment options there is no need to spend the rest of your life suffering. Call your doctor and make an appointment today. If it is too hard for you to do it yourself, tell a loved one and have them help you.

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