Generalised Anxiety Disorder

A person suffers from GAD if he persistently thinks that something bad is going to happen and constant fear and worries distract him from his daily activities. It's chronic and exaggerated worry and tension, even though nothing seems to provoke it. People with GAD also seem unable to relax.

Excessive thinking and dwelling causes this anxiety disorder. Some people with generalized anxiety have fluctuations in mood from hour to hour. Many times there is no reason for these feelings and the person realizes these feelings are irrational.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a relatively common anxiety problem, affecting 3-4% of the population.

Physical Symptoms of GAD:

Treatment For GAD:

Psychotherapy: Relaxation skills such as exercises, deep breathing, are excellent therapy either alone or with the use of biofeedback. Relaxation techniques and biofeedback are used to decrease arousal. Teaching an individual how to relax, and the ability to do it in any critical situation or place is vital to reduce the anxiety.

Medication: Medication should be prescribed only if the symptoms are serious and interfering normal routine.

SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly used to treat GAD. SSRIs and SNRIs are thought to be most effective treatment because both anxiety and depression are considered to be associated with the neurotransmitter serotonin.

• SSRIs include: fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft).
• SNRIs include: Benzodiazepines (alprazolam), pregabalin (Lyrica), venlafaxine (Efexor)

Benzodiazepines are used for short-term treatment but for chronic generalized anxiety disorder they may need to be continued for months to years.

Tricyclic antidepressants is an effective treatment alternative to benzodiazepines and can be a better alternative over a longer treatment period.

Buspirone and antidepressants are also used for the pharmacologic management of patients with GAD.