Understanding Anxiety (GAD)

FAQs

  • 1. Isn't anxiety a normal part of life?
  • It is normal to feel anxious from time to time (e.g., when running late for an appointment, or before a job interview), and for some people that anxiety is manageable and mild, but for others it can present serious problems. When the severity or the duration of anxiety and tension interfere with your everyday life, it may be a good idea to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Your symptoms may be a sign of an underlying anxiety disorder such as GAD.
  • 2. What causes anxiety (GAD)?
  • It is widely believed that anxiety (GAD) probably results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. Research suggests that environmental and genetic factors (eg, a family history of anxiety [GAD]) may make a person more likely to develop the disorder. It is widely believed that GAD is the result of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain that is believed to influence a person’s mood. It is suspected that this chemical imbalance in the brain may impair effective communication between nerve cells, resulting in GAD.
    • If you suffer from anxiety (GAD), treatment can help.
    • In order to get the right treatment for you, speak with your healthcare professional.
    • If you are diagnosed with GAD, LEXAPRO is one option that your healthcare professional may choose to treat your symptoms.
    For more information, see: Causes of Anxiety.
  • 3. What are the symptoms of general anxiety disorder?
  • It is normal to experience occasional anxiety. However, people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), suffer from persistent anxiety and worry that is much worse and more persistent than the anxiety most people experience from time to time. The high level and chronic state of anxiety associated with GAD can make ordinary activities difficult or even impossible. Many GAD sufferers seem unable to relax, have a hard time concentrating, and may startle easily. In addition, GAD is often accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, irritability, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms, along with the worry and anxiety often cause significant impairment in social, work, or other areas of daily living. For more information, see: Self-Test for anxiety (GAD).
  • 4. How do I know if I suffer from GAD?
  • If you are an adult and think you may be suffering from GAD, take the Self-Test for anxiety (GAD) . The results are anonymous. Be sure to share your answers with your healthcare professional so he or she can properly diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatment. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose GAD.
  • 5. What are the available treatments for GAD?
  • Lexapro is FDA approved for the treatment of GAD in adults. SSRIs and SNRIs have proven efficacy in the treatment of GAD and psychotherapy (cognitive behavior therapy or talk therapy) helps to identify cues that provoke anxiety and teaches coping skills that target the symptoms of GAD.

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