Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Development, Diagnosis, Comorbidity and Treatment

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Introduction As one of the most prevalent mental disorders in America; generalized anxiety disorder – or GAD – is an important diagnostic consideration for many professionals (Fricchione, 2004). GAD has been called “worry without reason” (Wehrenberg & Prinz, 2007, p. 116), and can affect several age groups. Children can develop GAD and suffer from it the rest of their lives. Adults can also develop it, and it is common among the aging and among women. This could also possibly be a result of societal pressures on men not to admit to the symptoms (Wehrenberg & Prinz, 2007). Unlike other related phobias or panic disorders, this is a constant, almost unrelenting anxiety about events that are unlikely to occur. Symptoms that point to GAD are restlessness, muscle tension and sleep disturbance, among others (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) It is useful to study this disorder not only to learn to look for symptoms, but also to learn how to communicate with and identify dysfunction in others suffering from some form of anxiety disorder, or even serious stress. Development Development of GAD can occur in several ways. It is very likely that in many cases there is a hereditary predisposition to this disorder. Also, the way a child is raised can greatly increase or decrease the amount of stress a person experiences or puts on him or herself throughout life. Children who are especially bright are more likely to struggle with anxiety partly because, not only are expectations higher, but also understanding the threat of certain situations are more difficult than it would be for a more experienced adolescent or adult (Verduin & Kendall, 2009). Environmental stressors are also a determining factor. Life-changing events o... ... middle of paper ... ...n Medical Association Journal, 183(7), 824. Fricchione, G. (2004). Generalized anxiety disorder. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(7), 675-682. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp022342 Hayes, J. F. (2011). Generalized anxiety disorder. Innovait, 4(12), 685-690. Harrison, R. (2012). Anxiety disorder. Annals of The American Psychotherapy Association, 15(2), 48-57. McGrandles, A., & Duffy, T. (2012). Assessment and treatment of patients with anxiety. Nursing Standard, 26(35), 48-56. Verduin, T., & Kendall, P. (2003). Differential occurrence of comorbidity within childhood anxiety disorders. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Psychological Association, Division 53, 32(2), 290-295. Wehrenberg, M., & Prinz, S. (2007). The anxious brain: The neurobiological basis of anxiety disorders and how to effectively treat them. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

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