Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Definition
Generalized Anxiety Disorderis one of the most common of the anxiety disorders. People with this disorder have excessive worry and anxiety for 6 months or more.
Description
Anxiety is common and can be self-generating since the symptoms reinforce the reaction, often causing it to get worse and worse.
Causes
Initial manifestations appear before age 40.There is a slightly greater tendency for this condition to occur in women.
Symptoms
The disabling anxiety symptoms of apprehension, worry, irritability, hypervigilance (preparation for threat), insomnia, and somatic (bodily) complaints are long-lasting and persist for at least one month.
The somatic manifestations may include rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and feeling faint.
Diagnosis
诊断是基于一个完整的我dical history and physical examination as well as mental status examination. Underlying medical disorders must be ruled out, including conditions involving the heart, lungs, and endocrine glands, issues of substance abuse, and neurologic disorders.
Treatment
Treatment may involve medications (SSRIs, benzodiazepines, buspirone), behavioral approaches (desensitization to the anxiety-producing situation, relaxation techniques), group, family, or couples therapy, and peer support groups.
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