Generalized Anxiety Syndrome

Anxiety is a normal human response to stressful or uncomfortable situations. Anxiety helps the body prepare to perform well in a stressful situation, such as a job interview or first date. Constant and unwarranted anxiety, however, is not healthy and can severely impact the quality of one's life. Such high levels of anxiety may indicate generalized anxiety syndrome--which can usually be treated with therapy, medication or a combination of both.

Definition

• Generalized anxiety syndrome, more commonly referred to as generalized anxiety disorder or GAD, describes a condition that causes a person to constantly feel worried, nervous or anxious without appropriate reason. These feelings are typically irrational and persistent. Generalized anxiety syndrome can prevent a person from living a normal life because of perpetual worry and stress. This disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder and mental health condition.

Causes & Risk Factors

• While the exact cause of this mental illness has not been pinpointed, there are many risk factors that can contribute to a person developing generalized anxiety syndrome. People who experienced traumatic childhoods have a higher probability of developing generalized anxiety syndrome. A serious illness or stress from one's environment or living situation may also trigger generalized anxiety syndrome. Some people may be genetically inclined to develop this illness, especially if there is a family history of generalized anxiety syndrome.

Symptoms

• In addition to anxiety, other physical and emotional symptoms of generalized anxiety syndrome may manifest. A person with generalized anxiety syndrome may feel edgy, tense and restless. Sleep patterns may be interrupted or short-lasting. A person may also experience physical aches and pains because of this disorder. Headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, and a sensation like there is a lump in the throat may be symptoms of generalized anxiety syndrome. Some people may also experience heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat and tightness or pain in the chest.

Medication

• Various forms of medication are available for the treatment and management of generalized anxiety syndrome. A psychiatrist may prescribe a daily medication to manage anxiety or a pill to take during anxiety attacks. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that act as a sedative and muscle relaxant. Examples of benzodiazepines include Xanax and Klonopin. These drugs are usually taken on an as-needed basis. An antidepressant medication may be prescribed for daily use. Antidepressant medications such as Prozac, Lexapro and Paxil influence serotonin levels in the brain, which may decrease feelings of anxiety.

Counseling

• Therapy can be beneficial for patients with generalized anxiety syndrome as it helps the patient discover the psychological roots of his anxiety. Forms of psychotherapy that are effective at treating generalized anxiety syndrome include behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy involves a conscious effort on the patient's part to identify unhealthy or negative thoughts or behaviors and change them to positive thoughts. This form of therapy gives the patient a sense of control over their feelings.