Generalized Anxiety Disorder. By, Jennifer Corr

Transcription

1 Generalized Anxiety Disorder By, Jennifer Corr

2 What is it? Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a disorder where a person can experience constant and chronic worry about everyday life. People often shift the focus of their anxiety from one thing to another.

3 1. DSM-IV-TR The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classifies GAD as an anxiety disorder. Out of Control DSM-IV-TR states that GAD is free floating It can attach itself to anything in the patient's life. Persistence DSM-IV-TR states that worry must occur more days than not for a period of 6 months to be classified as GAD Interference Worry interferes with family life, social activity or other areas.

4 The Causes Mixture of genetic and environmental Environment: factors. Genetics: Recent studies show genetic factor in development of GAD. A gene related to panic disorder was identified in This increases likelihood that genetics create susceptibility to GAD. Social Modeling: The process of learning behavioral responses from watching others. Gender roles: GAD linked to the expectation of women to be caregivers. Socioeconomic status: People of lower economic status have fewer resources to deal with stress.

5 The Symptoms Physical Muscle Tension Fatigue Irritability Restlessness Mental Excessive anxiety about multiple events or activities. Uncontrolled worry. Worry that interferes with everyday life; family, social life, school, or work. Distorted thinking process, unrealistic way of thinking, and bad problem solving skills. Poor coping skills, poor concentration, procrastination, avoidance.

6 The Demographics Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): GAD effects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of U.S population. DSM-III-R concluded 1 in every 20 in the U.S will develop GAD at some point in their life. Women are more likely to develop GAD than men. The ratio is 3:2 or 2:1.

7 The Diagnosis Patient Interview Patient describes anxiety Doctor determines the persistence of anxiety, if it is acute (lasting hours to weeks),double anxiety (acute anxiety added to underlying anxiety) Diagnostic Questionares Hamilton Anxiety Scale: Assess anxiety disorders in general The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionare for DSM-IV: Diagnostic tool specific to GAD

8 Evaluation Medical Evaluation Rule out medical conditions known to cause anxiety Substance Abuse Evaluation.Rule out use of substance that is known to cause anxiety in its effects and withdrawal. Evaluate other psychiatric disorders.

9 The Treatment Medication Usually prescribed to patients whose symptoms are so sever it affects daily functions. Benzodiazepines: Lowers anxiety by decreasing muscle tension. Buspirone: Treats worry associated with GAD. Trycyclic Antidepressants Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: Venlafaxine is beneficial for patients with mixed anxiety/depression symptoms and those who have somatic anxiety.

10 Psychotherapy From outsider to Therapy: star Based on Cognitive Behavioral cognitive a patient s negative Alberto scored 30theory goals in 21that games. He is now being scouted by several clubs can in belief about anprofessional uncertainty contribute the Premier League. And he s a favorite of the toboys theondevelopment of worry. other the team. Applied Relaxation: Teaches patients to physiological symptoms and See aidentify short video on Alberto s story muscle relaxation techniques.

11 Treatment Family Therapy: Family offers patient another perspective. Hypnotherapy Yoga Massagetherapy Acupuncture Herbal Remedies: Passionflower

12 The Prognosis Long Term GAD is regarded as a long term condition that be a lifelong problem It is rare for patients to recover spontaneously.

13 The Prevention GAD is caused by stressful events that may be hard to avoid. Parents can model realistic assessment of stressful events to their children. Parents can teach effective coping skills to their children.