Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry about a number of day to day activities and events. This state is also known as free floating anxiety as it is not linked to any specific object or situation. The various symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include:

• Restlessness or feelings of being keyed up or on the edge
• Disturbed sleep patterns including insomnia or nightmares
• Muscle tension
• Difficulty concentrating r the mind going blank
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Shortage of breath
• Fatigue

Generalized anxiety disorder is a relatively common condition with current estimates that it is experienced by approximately 3 percent of the population in any one year period and 5 percent at some point of time in life. Although, GAD is quite common, most individuals with this disorder do manage to function despite their high levels of worry and anxiety. This is one of the main reasons why they are less likely to come to clinics for psychological treatment than are people with other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or major depression, which are frequently more debilitating conditions. However, these individuals do show up in physician’s offices with medical complaints such as muscle tension or fatigue at very high rates.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment

The two main treatments for this disorder are medications and psychotherapy. These can be used individually or in combination. Most of the individuals suffering from GAD are initially seen by family physicians rather than by mental health professionals who seek relief from their anxieties and their various functional physical problems.

Medications:

Anti anxiety medications: These include drugs from the benzodiazepine (anxiolytic) category such as Valium that are used for tension relief and relaxation. They also reduce subjective anxiety and may reduce emotional reactivity to new stressors. Busipirone (from the azaspirone category) also seems effective. It has an advantage over the benzodiazepines in that it is not addictive but it has the disadvantage that a therapeutic response may take several weeks. Several categories of antidepressant medications have also been shown to be useful in the treatment of GAD.

Sedatives: Drugs like Xanax, Chlordiazepoxide, Clonazepam, Diazepam and Lorazepam are the most commonly prescribed sedatives to treat GAD. These drugs may cause drowsiness, decreased muscular coordination and their long term use may also cause problems associated with memory.

Antidepressants: These include Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Imipramine, Escitalopram and Duloxetine.

Most medication or combinations of drugs do not work instantly. It may take several weeks for you to finally notice the effects of the medications.

Psychotherapy: This is also known as counseling and involves talking with a mental health care professional.

Cognitive behavior Therapy for GAD: This technique has also become a highly effective generalized anxiety disorder treatment in recent years. It usually involves a combination of behavioral techniques such as training in deep muscle relaxation and cognitive restructuring techniques aimed at reducing worry and its negative content.