Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a form of anxiety disorder characterized by the prolonged period of depressed or worried state of mind almost for 6 months or even more. During this period patient suffers from severe tense state of thinking about his job, business, health, studies, personal relations and social status etc. Such patients show absolute pessimism regarding all these aspects of life even in the presence of positive factors.

Physical Imbalances during Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The duration and severity of generalized anxiety disorder is much more than normal anxiety disorder which often lasts for days or weeks. Due to such exaggerated tense period such persons often feel difficulty in concentrating, relaxing and in taking sleep. Most of the patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder are reported to be suffering from insomnia as well. Not only mental state but the physical state is also adversely affected by GAD. Fatigue, muscle tension, headache, hot flashes and trembling are included in those physical problems often faced by a patient of generalized anxiety disorder.

Prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Almost 3% youth in United States is suffering from GAD which strikes them in childhood but begins to show its symptoms in adulthood. In most of the cases females are more prone to develop generalized anxiety disorder as compared to males. It can also develop in early adolescence in some cases.   

Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is considered to be caused by long period or stress or tension which assumes the form of a severe disorder. In such cases when a stressed person finds no way to vent out his feelings then this tense state is changed into a complete disorder during which patient experiences very long period of continuous tension for no important apparent reason. Studies also reveal that generalized anxiety disorder run in families as well, so here hereditary factor is also involved in developing this mental illness.  

Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

As far as the treatment for generalized anxiety disorder is concerned then it is treated by using medication and cognitive behavior therapy during which patient learns the ways to deal to the symptoms of prolonged anxiety. Moreover according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), generalized anxiety disorder is treatable form of anxiety disorders.         

Coexistence between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and other Mental Illnesses

On the basis of continued research it is also assumed that generalized anxiety disorder can appear in combination with other mental illnesses. Such mental problems include depression, anxiety and substance abuse etc which can coexist with generalized anxiety disorder in some cases of severe anxiety.