1. Isn't anxiety a normal part of life?
2. What causes anxiety?
3. What are the symptoms of anxiety?
4. How do I know if I suffer from GAD?
5. What are the available treatments for GAD?
1. Isn't anxiety a normal part of life?
It is normal to feel anxious from time to time (eg, 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. It could be a sign
of an underlying anxiety disorder such as GAD.
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2. What causes anxiety?
The exact causes of generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, are difficult
to explain. Research suggests that environmental and genetic factors
(a family history of GAD) may make a person more likely to develop
the disorder. GAD may also be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals
in the brain—in particular, dopamine and serotonin, which are
believed to regulate mood and behavior.
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3. What are the symptoms of anxiety?
People with generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, suffer from persistent
worry and tension that is much worse than the anxiety most people
experience from time to time. The main symptom of GAD is an exaggerated
or unfounded state of worry and anxiety, often about such matters
as health, money, family, or work. Many GAD sufferers seem unable
to relax and may startle easily. In addition, GAD is often accompanied
by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension.
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4. How do I know if I suffer from GAD?
If you think you may be suffering from GAD, take our Anxiety
Self-Screener. 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 qualified healthcare professional can diagnose GAD.
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5. What are the available treatments for GAD?
There are two major approaches to treating GAD that can be used alone
or together. Counseling, or psychotherapy, can help people find new
ways to cope with problems and understand more about anxiety and how
to avoid it. There are also several types of antianxiety medicines.
These use different approaches to relieve the symptoms of anxiety.
The most widely used type is called an SRI. These work by changing
the balance of a substance in the brain believed to influence mood,
called serotonin. These medicines may take several weeks to be effective,
but they work well and are generally safe.
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Learn more about Lexapro.