Short Article on Treatment Options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Posted Mar 18 2010 12:00am
Here is a short but informative article on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), including symptoms and treatment options. From the article:
GAD is excessive worry that lasts at least six months and disrupts daily activities, according to the March issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. Typically starting during middle age and more common in older adults, GAD affects an estimated 4 to 7 percent of adults 65 and older and often goes hand in hand with depression or other anxiety disorders, such as phobias.
As I've written before, anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. The article notes that both therapy (particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT) and/or medications are usually the treatment options of choice for this disorder.
A couple of personal observations. First, the type of worry typically associated with GAD is referred to as "free-floating anxiety." What this entails is that the person will find something to worry about. If that particular stressor (i.e. a math test) is successfully negotiated, then the individual will find something else to worry about (let's face it, there's always something to worry about if you look hard enough).
My other thought is, as with most anxiety issues, the therapy component is far more important for long- term recovery than medication. Medication may provide some short-term relief, but until the mental and behavioral habits that perpetuate the ruminations over various issues are addressed, the issue will continue, though maybe with less physical discomfort. The good news is that most anxiety-related issues are very amenable to therapy, so individuals experiencing these types of problems can effectively address them with solid therapy.
Here is a short but informative article on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), including symptoms and treatment options. From the article:
As I've written before, anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. The article notes that both therapy (particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT) and/or medications are usually the treatment options of choice for this disorder.
A couple of personal observations. First, the type of worry typically associated with GAD is referred to as "free-floating anxiety." What this entails is that the person will find something to worry about. If that particular stressor (i.e. a math test) is successfully negotiated, then the individual will find something else to worry about (let's face it, there's always something to worry about if you look hard enough).
My other thought is, as with most anxiety issues, the therapy component is far more important for long- term recovery than medication. Medication may provide some short-term relief, but until the mental and behavioral habits that perpetuate the ruminations over various issues are addressed, the issue will continue, though maybe with less physical discomfort. The good news is that most anxiety-related issues are very amenable to therapy, so individuals experiencing these types of problems can effectively address them with solid therapy.