Causes And Effects Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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The majority of the world’s population occasionally experiences stress and anxiety caused by problems or events. However, some people continuously worry over a variety of daily issues; they most likely have a psychological disorder called generalized anxiety disorder, also known as GAD. Their fears can become intense and severe, interfering with their daily lives. Besides excessive worry, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, and muscle tension are also known to be part of the diagnostic criteria for GAD. The several potential risk factors and causes of GAD are genetics, brain structure, environment, and personality. Along with its numerous symptoms and causes, generalized anxiety disorder also has many forms of treatment, including medication, cognitive therapy, and supplements. How well the patient responds to treatment depends on the severity of the disorder, but generalized anxiety disorder is often treated successfully. Prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized anxiety disorder is quite common and affects 6.8 million American adults (3.1% of the population) every year, according the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in 2005. About six percent of American adults have had GAD at some point in their lives (NIMH, 2005). The National Institute of Mental Health also reported that this disorder is most common in adults between the ages 45 and 59; 7.7% of the adults in this age group were diagnosed with GAD. Women are twice as likely to develop anxiety disorders—such as GAD—as men. Brain structure and chemistry may play a role in this, since women trigger their fight-or-flight response more easily and longer than men (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2014). As stated in the fifth edition of Diagno... ... middle of paper ... ...iders or commits suicide (Screening for Mental Health, 2010). Overall, generalized anxiety disorder is classified by excessive and uncontrollable worry over a large variety of daily problems. Besides anxiety, people with GAD also experience fatigue, irritability, restlessness, and muscle tension. GAD is quite common, and about three percent of all American adults are diagnosed with it every year. Several potential causes of generalized anxiety disorder are environment, genetics, brain chemistry, and personality. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication are used to treat GAD. However, the medicine comes with many side effects. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and supplements can also aid in helping the patient. If untreated, generalized anxiety disorder can be a long-term illness, although the outlook is generally positive for those who have treatment.

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