A job interview. A first date. A deadline. These experiences make all of us "anxious." Imagine experiencing this feeling, uncontrollably and unprovoked, nearly every day for months or even years.
This is a reality for more than 4 million Americans with generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is characterized by excessive worry about everyday events for more than six months. Constant worry can affect one's ability to function on a daily basis and can cause symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability and sleep disturbance. Often it can take years before GAD is diagnosed and, if left untreated, it can have a long-term effect on both the person suffering and his or her loved ones.
Recently, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America sponsored a nationwide survey that examined the impact of GAD on relationships. Overall, the survey found that people suffering from GAD feel their condition negatively affects all of their important relationships, with the greatest negative impact on romantic relationships and friendships.
In fact, GAD patients report that they are three times more likely to avoid being intimate with their partners compared with those without the condition. In addition, GAD patients also report that their ability to sustain healthy relationships would increase if they could manage their condition.
"Fortunately, generalized anxiety disorder is treatable," said Dr. Michael R. Liebowitz, professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University in New York and a member of the ADAA Scientific Advisory Board. "A reduction in symptoms with appropriate treatment can help people living with GAD build and maintain healthier relationships."
The goal of treatment for GAD is the elimination of symptoms so patients can return to their normal daily activities. Treatments include talk therapies and medications, and a combination of these is often used. Your doctor or therapist can tailor a treatment that is right for you.
Proven therapies include:
* Cognitive therapy, which teaches techniques for identifying, modifying and changing fears and worries.
* Behavior therapy, which helps individuals gain control over unwanted behavior.
* Cognitive behavior therapy, which combines cognitive and behavior therapy.
* Medications can also help manage GAD and may be used with talk therapies. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) as proven effective treatments for GAD.
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If you or someone you know may be suffering from GAD, consult your doctor. For additional information about GAD and other anxiety disorders, visit www.adaa.org. - NU
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