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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by 6 months
or more of chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded
or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience.
People with this disorder usually expect the worst; they worry
excessively about money, health, family, or work, even when there
are no signs of trouble. They are unable to relax and often suffer
from insomnia. Many people with GAD also have physical symptoms,
such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headaches,
irritability, or hot flashes.
Fortunately, through research supported by the National
Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), effective treatments have been
developed to help people with GAD.
How Common is GAD?
About 2.8% of the U.S. population (4 million Americans) have GAD
during a year's time.
GAD most often strikes people in childhood or adolescence, but
can begin in adulthood, too. It affects women more often than
men.
What Causes GAD?
Some research suggests that GAD may run in families and it may also
grow worse during stress. GAD usually begins at an earlier age and
symptoms may manifest themselves more slowly than in most other
anxiety disorders.
What Treatments Are Available
for GAD?
Treatments for GAD include medications and cognitive-behavioral
therapy.
Can People with GAD Also Have
Other Physical and Emotional Illnesses?
Research shows that GAD often coexist with depression, substance
abuse, or other anxiety disorders. Other conditions associated with
stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome, often accompany GAD.
Patients with physical symptoms such as insomnia or headaches
should also tell their doctors about their feelings of worry and
tension. This will help the patient's health care provider to
recognize that the person is suffering, from GAD.
The content of this fact sheet was adapted from material
published by the National Institute of Mental Health.
For additional resources, please call 1-800-969-NMHA.
Other Resources: National
Institute of Mental Health
1-866-615-6464 NIMH
Information Center
1-888-826-9438 Order NIMH Publications
NMHA's Campaign for America's Mental Health works to raise
awareness that mental illnesses are common, real and treatable
illnesses and ensure that those most at-risk receive proper, timely
and effective treatment. Click
here for more information.
The Campaign is made possible through unrestricted educational
grants from the following corporations: Founding Sponsor - Eli
Lilly and Company Campaign Sponsors - Abbott Laboratories,
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Eli
Lilly and Company, Forest Laboratories, Inc., Organon Inc., Pfizer
Inc, and Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals.
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