Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is accompanied by excessive and unrealistic fears about two or more aspects of life (relationships, work, family, finances, health, etc.), long-term physical tensions, and worries. People who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often for no obvious reason:
• uncontrollably worry about ordinary things, events, and situations.
• can’t say what they’re afraid of.
• feel that something bad may happen or they simply cannot calm down.
• may have problems performing daily activities. A person often realizes that the reason does not exist, but strong anxiety persists. This excessive unrealistic fear is demanding on the psyche and can gradually disrupt relationships and daily activities.

The basic symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (must last at least 6 months) are:
• significant tension,
• fear,
• worries about everyday events and problems.

Common symptoms:
• Feeling of impending danger, panic, or doom
• Feeling weak, tired, or restless
• Overthinking or difficulty in concentrating
• Sleep problems
• Gastrointestinal (Gl) problems

The treatment of generalized anxiety disorder consists mainly of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic procedures. The most used method of treatment is cognitive – behavioral therapy. This treatment includes regular appointments with a mental health professional. The goal is to change thinking and behavior. It is an approach successful in creating lasting changes in many people with anxiety. As part of therapy, the patient learns to recognize and control their anxious thoughts and calm down when intrusive thoughts come. Along with therapy, medications are prescribed. The medications relieve some physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension and stomach cramps.