GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

Gas prices are on the rise, bikini season is coming up, the kids want to go to Six Flags, final exams are next week…you can feel your palms becoming sweaty, can’t seem to catch your breath, the wave of nausea hits…its happening again!!

If you feel yourself exhibiting these symptoms and others and feel yourself worrying constantly about things in and out of your control, you may one of the many Americans struggling with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is defined as 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. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning.

• In the United States alone, approximately 3.1 percent of people age 18 and over are diagnosed with GAD yearly.
• About 5% of the total population is affected annually.
• Women are more likely than Men to be affected.
• The symptoms seen with GAD are: fatigue, fidgeting, headaches, nausea, numbness in hands and feet, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, bouts of difficulty breathing, difficulty concentrating, trembling, twitching, irritability, agitation, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, hot flashes, and rashes and inability to fully control the anxiety.
• These symptoms must be consistent and persistent for least 6 months, for a formal diagnosis of GAD to be reached.

If you think that you or someone you know maybe suffering from GAD, see your health care provider for a former evaluation. With proper psychotherapy and in some cases pharmacological intervention, GAD can be treated and help ensure a better lifestyle.