Anxiety Info Online

There are an estimated 40 million people worldwide that are afflicted with Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD). The symptoms of GAD will vary. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is one of six sub categories of anxiety disorder. All forms of anxiety concern the persons unwarranted apprehension and unreasonable fear. There is an ever-present sense of foreboding or a feeling of dread deep inside them that causes extreme anxiety and uneasiness. Anxiety disorders often affect family, friends, professional careers, as well as the overall mental and physical health and well being.

GAD progresses gradually over time and affects more women than men. Some researchers attribute this to certain biological differences caused by hormonal fluctuations in women. Others suggest it may be the stereotypical gender roles a woman has and the societal expectations of perfection. As a wife, mother, caretaker, and worker, women have a lot to worry about. She cannot stop worrying about everything in her life, day in and day out. Some men can shut their worried thoughts off before it gets to be a problem.

Doctors are not absolutely sure what causes GAD, some research shows genetics can play a role. Brain chemistry can also be a factor. If neurotransmitters are imbalanced, the brains reactions to some situations are altered and this may trigger anxiety. There are also environmental factors that lead to GAD. Such things as trauma, physical and mental abuse, divorce, shifts in a person's life could be activators.

Besides their excessive, never ending worry and tension that is due to their unrealistic perception of their problems, a person with GAD disorder often display physical symptoms such as exhaustion, muscle tension, headaches, queasiness, sweating, fatigue and bathroom habits. People with GAD may also show trouble concentrating and may be unable to fall or stay asleep at night. It is not unusual for them to experience trembling and some are easily startled.

It is common for anxiety disorders sufferers to also have panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, or other phobias.

Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Once anxiety is suspected, symptoms are evaluated, and if confirmed to be GAD, the doctor will propose a treatment plan that frequently combines medication and cognitive behavior therapy. Benzodiazepines, also known as tranquilizers, like Xanax and Valium, may be prescribed to calm and reduce the patients physical symptoms. Antidepressants, Zoloft, Effexor, and Paxil, to name a few, are also being used to deal with GAD.

Cognitive behavior therapy teaches people suffering from these types of anxiety disorders to identify and adjust their thinking and behaviors that control their anxious feelings. This manner of therapy helps restrict distorted thinking by allowing them to look at their worries more rationally.

There are alternative treatments that may help decrease some of the symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder, GAD. Instead of having a morning cup of coffee, substitute it with a cup of herbal tea. Cutting out alcoholic beverages is thought to help also. Some recommend keeping a tight rein on their sugar intake and refined carbohydrates, too.

Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex are essential to a healthy nervous system and support the production of neurotransmitters; the nerve cells message carriers.

Cardiovascular exercise burns lactic acid which produce the mood enhancing chemicals called endorphins which cause the body to use oxygen more efficiently. Regular exercise and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can also help ease panic attacks.