1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Brenda Ortiz Period 1 4/21/12

2. What is Generalized Anxiety? 0 Whenever a person has severe anxiety that does not seem to be connected with a particular object, situation, or event, but seems to be more of a constant feature in their daily lives, they are said to have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. 0 Constant anxiety that seems to stem from seemingly nowhere.

3. Associated Features 0 People with Generalized Anxiety usually feel a range of symptoms, both physical and psychological that interfere with their social and general life functioning. 0 They will feel often feel restless or tired, due to difficulty falling asleep at night. 0 A person suffering from this will have a lot of difficulty concentrating and paying attention. 0 They will often feel so tense that it can make them feel sick or have their mind go “blank.” 0 Someone with GAD will often worry have a panic episode over something completely uncontrollable or irrational, such as the economy or the state of universe.

4. Associated Features (cont.) 0 People with Generalized Anxiety will often feel very irritable or bitter out of nowhere. 0 A person with Generalized Anxiety will likely be easily startled or frightened by loud noises or sudden movements. 0 Their hands will sometimes be shaky. 0 Many times, when these symptoms are present and doctors can’t find something wrong physically, odds are the person has Generalized Anxiety.

5. DSM-IV-TR 0 A. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance). worry 0 B. The person finds it difficult to control the worry. 0 C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms present for more days than not for the past 6 months). Note: Only one item is required in children. symptoms

6. DSM-IV-TR (cont.) 0 (1) restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge (2) being easily fatigued (3) difficulty concentrating or mind going blank (4) irritability (5) muscle tension (6) sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep) irritability 0 E. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. 0 F. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism) and does not occur exclusively during a Mood Disorder, a Psychotic Disorder, or a Pervasive Developmental Disorder.substanceMood DisorderPervasive Developmental Disorder

7. Etiology 0 Family and twin studies support that there is a genetic factor in GAD. 0 Other than this speculation, it is mostly unknown what causes someone to have Generalized Anxiety, since it is arbitrary and doesn’t seem to arise from experience, such as other anxiety disorders.

8. Prevalence 0 It is estimated that about 5% of the population suffers from or have suffered from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. 0 Women are affected by and diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety about twice as men are, though is is sometimes hard to tell since Generalized Anxiety Disorder is usually difficult to diagnose. 0 It is the most common anxiety disorder among older adults. 0 Most people with GAD have at least one other disorder (namely depression), which often makes diagnosis very difficult.

9. Treatment 0 There is a variety of treatments for Generalized Anxiety. 0 Medication is usually effective. 0 Learning new stress-management techniques 0 Therapy usually is very helpful as well. Some therapies used are: Behavior therapy Cognitive therapy Relaxation therapy

10. Prognosis 0 Generalized Anxiety can last many years and sometimes can even last a lifetime. 0 There is still a lot to learn about about Generalized Anxiety Disorder and currently, there is no definite cure. 0 While there is no known cure at the moment, these symptoms sometimes lessen or abate completely. When they don’t, they can be more or less successful managed through good treatment.

11. References 0 Generalized Anxiety Disorder. (2011). CRS – Adult Health Advisor. Retrieved April 22, 2012 from EBSCOhost. 0 Generalized anxiety disorder: people who worry about everything—and nothing—have several treatment options. (2011). Harvard Mental Health Letter, 27(2), 1- 3.

12. Discussion 0 Do you think it’s okay to tell someone who is constantly panicked that they are worried over something “stupid?” Or do you think that would only make them more self-concious and nervous?