• Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• The Impact of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• The Journey to Improvement
• Cymbalta and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Worry and anxiety are natural. They help us prepare to deal with difficult circumstances, whether current or just anticipated. But people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) stay worried, fear the worst will happen, and experience spontaneous anxiety even when a stressful or threatening situation is not apparent. The worry may become so excessive and persistent that it can limit a person's daily activities.

What Causes GAD?

While the specific cause of GAD is unknown, doctors have identified a variety of biological and psychological factors. Research shows that GAD tends to run in families, but anxiety and worry can also be learned.

One of the most commonly accepted theories suggests that two naturally occurring substances in the brain, serotonin and/or norepinephrine, are believed to affect the variety of symptoms of GAD.

GAD Symptoms

GAD is diagnosed when a person worries excessively about a variety of everyday problems for at least 6 months.

People with GAD can't control constant worry about everyday things. They can't relax and often have a hard time concentrating, falling asleep, or staying asleep.

Other symptoms you may experience include:

• Excessive anxiety
• Constant worry
• Restlessness
• Muscle tension and aches
• Trembling or twitching

The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms you experience may cause distress or keep you from participating in things you once enjoyed.

GAD Treatment

GAD affects as many as 3% of American adults. About two thirds of patients with GAD are women, and one third are men. Treatment includes medication, specific types of psychotherapy, or both. The goal of treatment is to treat the anxiety symptoms you are experiencing and to help improve your functioning in life.

While medication will not cure GAD, it may help treat the symptoms. Before taking medication, ask your doctor:

• What are the benefits of taking this medication?
• When will the medication start working? How will I know if it's working?
• What will it feel like to be on this medication? Will I feel like myself? Will other people notice a difference?
• Is this medication safe? Can I become addicted to it?
• What are the side effects? Will they go away over time? What should I do if I experience them?
• How long will I need to take this medication? Will I be able to stop taking it eventually?
• Should I avoid certain things (eg, other medications, alcohol) or particular foods while I'm taking this drug?
• What if it doesn't work? Is there something else I can do?
• Will this medication take care of my anxious symptoms?
• Can this medication change my personality?
• If I take this medication, will my GAD ever return?

It's also a good idea to touch base with your doctor about his or her overall approach to treatment. Agree on how he or she will be monitoring your progress. Find out if it's best to follow up in person or on the phone and how often you should do so.

Psychotherapy is essentially talk therapy—with a trained mental health professional, you discuss GAD and how best to treat the symptoms you are experiencing.

Learn about the impact of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms.