GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER GAD By Astrid Zamora Crystal

GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD) By: Astrid Zamora & Crystal Guzman

GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry.

SOME PHYSICAL HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ANXIETY. In Example: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Heart disease Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism Menopause

SYMTOMS INCLUDE: Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge Being easily fatigued Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank Irritability Muscle tension Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep)

FACTS: People with GAD can't seem to shake their concerns, even though they usually realize that their anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants. People with GAD also seem unable to relax. They often have trouble falling or staying asleep. Their worries are accompanied by physical symptoms, especially trembling, twitching, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, sweating, or hot flashes. They may feel lightheaded or out of breath. They may feel nauseated or have to go to the bathroom frequently. Or they might feel as though they have a lump in the throat.

TREATMENT: Typically the most effective treatment will be an approach which incorporates both psychological and psychopharmacologic approaches. Medications, while usually helpful in treating the bodily symptoms of acute anxiety (e. g. , panic attacks), are best used for this disorder as a shortterm treatment only (a few months). Clinicians should be especially watchful of the individual becoming psychologically or physiologically addicted to certain anti-anxiety medications, such as Xanax [Psychcental. com]

CASE STUDY : “I CAN’T STOP MY HEAD” Nancy L. is 45 year old married lawyer with chronic generalized anxiety. She worried constantly about her parents, who were healthy, and school even though she was a good student. She was able to grow out of these fears except she still had a terrible fear of spiders.

NANCY L. CASE STUDY: (CONTINUED) Nancy experienced insomnia, irritability, tension, and fatigue. Over the last 25 years suffered 6 major episodes of anxiety lasting 3 -4 months to a year. These are triggered by situational stressors • She was put on low dosages of benzodiazepines, which she took as needed for fear of addiction • Later was put on fluoxetine & she discontinued because it made her jittery.

D A G H Michael Jackson S E R U G Sigmund Freud IT W I F S U O M A F Cher Oprah Winfrey Johnny Depp