Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, was first distinguished as a disorder in 1980. GAD is diagnosed when a patient is excessively worrying about daily life events for at least six months. While more research is still needed to determine the best ways to treat GAD, some of its causes have been determined over the past 30 years or so.
Symptoms
Patients who are eventually diagnosed as having GAD usually present with restlessness, fatigue, irritability, impatience, insomnia, nausea and headaches. They often have expectations of disaster for no logical reason, as well as prolonged and constant worrying about health, finances, family members, friends, work or school. Their concerns are out of proportion to the situations they are faced with and often unrealistic. Their anxiety becomes a dominant part of their life, interfering with relationships and functioning from day to day.
Brain Chemistry
At present, many GAD researchers believe that unbalanced chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain's neurotransmitters may cause the disorder. The neurotransmitters move chemicals between the brain's nerve cells. If the chemical balance in the neurotransmitters is off, the brain will not receive the levels of chemicals needed to function properly. This leads to an alteration in the brain's reaction to different situations, causing anxiety.
Genetics
Family history appears to play a role in the development of GAD. If a person has family members who have been diagnosed with GAD, chances are higher that he could develop the disorder as well. More research is needed to determine exactly how GAD is passed on in families.
Life Situations
The type of environment or life situation in which a person is raised or lives can be a factor in the development of GAD. Trauma and stress from abusive experiences, physical illness, the death of loved ones, divorce and changes in schools or jobs all have the potential to lead to GAD. Those who have the disorder may also find it becoming worse during stressful periods of their lives.
Withdrawal
Persons prone to GAD who have substance abuse problems from alcohol, caffeine or nicotine, for example, tend to find their anxiety grows worse when they use them or withdrawal from them.
Prevention and Control
Unfortunately, anxiety disorders, including GAD, cannot be prevented. GAD can, however, be controlled or lessened. Substances containing caffeine, for instance, usually add to a patient's stress levels; by stopping the consumption of coffee, tea, chocolate and cola, symptoms can be reduced. Exercise and a balanced diet can also decrease stress and anxiety in a patient's life. If these "at home" remedies are not enough, psychotherapy and medications that aid in the chemical balance of the brain can help.
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