Health Encyclopedia - Diseases
and Conditions

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What is the Definition of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Description of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
What Questions to ask Your Doctor About Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

What is the Definition of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is one of the most common of the anxiety disorders. People with this disorder have excessive worry and anxiety for 6 months or more.

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Description of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is common and can be self-generating since the symptoms reinforce the reaction, often causing it to get worse and worse.

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Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Initial manifestations appear before age 40. There is a slightly greater tendency for this condition to occur in women.

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Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The disabling anxiety symptoms of apprehension, worry, irritability, hypervigilance (preparation for threat), insomnia, and somatic (bodily) complaints are long-lasting and persist for at least one month.

The somatic manifestations may include rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and feeling faint.

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Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Diagnosis is made based on a complete medical history and physical examination as well as mental status examination. Underlying medical disorders must be ruled out, including conditions involving the heart, lungs, and endocrine glands, issues of substance abuse, and neurologic disorders.

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Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Treatment may involve medications (SSRIs, benzodiazepines, buspirone), behavioral approaches (desensitization to the anxiety-producing situation, relaxation techniques), group, family, or couples therapy, and peer support groups.

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