Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for

at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities where the individual finds it difficult to control the

worry. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in

social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The anxiety and worry are associated with at

least three (or more) of the following symtoms:

• 1. restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
  2. feeling easily fatigued
  3. difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
  4. irritability
  5. muscle tension
  6. sleep disturbance
  
  

Approximately 7% of the population will suffer from GAD. It has been estimated that about 30% of the causes

of GAD are inherited. Inaccurate thinking is a significant causative factor in GAD. People with GAD seem to

be worried that bad things will happen most of the time. They predict that horrible things will happen and

that when they feel anxious it means that something bad is more likely to happen. Many people who worry

feel that their worry provides some protection and that if they do not worry bad things are more likely to

happen.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy has proven to be more effective than medications in the treatment of GAD and

leads to a reduction of medications when they are utilized. About 50% of patients who receive this type of

treatment show significant improvement that is maintained when treatment is concluded. CBT will help you

to identify and change your beliefs about the costs and benefits of worrying.

During the course of treatment for GAD you will also learn to distinguish between productive vs.

unproductive worry and to understand the difference between anxiety that is normal and facilitative vs.

anxiety that is debilitative and counterproductive. In addition to Cognitive Therapy, adjunctive techniques

such as Applied Relaxation Training, Problem Solving, and Time Management may be very helpful.

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