What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

            Within this section, I will provide an overview of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I will discuss what constitutes a diagnosis for GAD and what its symptoms are. I will also provide statistics and demographic trends for the disorder. Finally, I will discuss prevention and treatment of the disorder.

            The Anxiety and Depression Association of America describes Generalized Anxiety Disorder as “characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things” (“Generalized Anxiety Disorder”). Those with GAD experience much greater worry and anxiety when going about their day-to-day lives which may be seen as irrational to those not knowledgeable about this condition. Generally, the threshold for diagnosis is six months of intense and excessive stress over day-to-day life (“Generalized Anxiety Disorder”). Physical symptoms often accompany anxiety as well including: fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, twitching, lightheadedness, and feeling out of breath (“Anxiety Disorders” 12). The prevalence and severity of these symptoms vary, with some people able to maintain their families and careers and some having trouble “carrying out the simplest daily activities” (“Anxiety Disorders” 13). Prevalence of symptoms is also correlated with periods of high stress. This stress also causes issues with the sleep cycle with many having issues falling and staying asleep (Rogge). These and many other factors cause those diagnosed with this disorder many issues in participating fully in everyday life. Next, I will discuss statistics and trends associated with this disorder.

Currently, it is estimated that 3.1% of the U.S. adult population has had prevalence of GAD within the last 12 months (“Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Adults”). The average age of onset is 31 years with diagnosis typically occurring in someone’s late twenties and early thirties. Approximately 1% of the U.S. adult population has cases classified as severe (“Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Adults”). The lifetime prevalence for ages 13-18 is 1% in the U.S. as well (“Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Adults”).  Worldwide, countries in Europe and Australia have similar rates ranging from 2-3% for adults while Taiwan’s rate is .4% (Andrews). It is argued that rates vary from the westernized world due to the nature of diagnosis in other cultures. We can see these differences in Asian cultures since “anxiety may be expressed predominantly through somatic symptoms… while Westerners more frequently express anxiety through cognitive avenues” (“Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder”). The diagnosis of GAD is also far more predominant in women than men, with some estimates as high as double the rates of men (“Generalized Anxiety Disorder”). Typically, being female, middle-aged, widowed/separated/divorced, and low income increased one’s risk of diagnosis for GAD while being Asian, Hispanic, or black decreased risk (Grant). Next, I will discuss what are generally understood as the causes for GAD.
            The exact causes and mechanisms for GAD are still not well understood yet there are some factors that have been shown to increase risk. It has been found to be hereditary so some may have a genetic predisposition to the disorder. Traumatic and stressful events within life such as the loss of a friend or family member can also trigger the disorder (“Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder”). Those diagnosed also have a low tolerance for uncertainty psychologically. Next, I will discuss recommendations for prevention of GAD.
            Recommendations for prevention vary from organization to organization. Some recommend prevention on an individualized basis while some see the problem as a public health issue. Commonly used websites such as WebMD recommend a healthy diet, exercise, and reduction of substances such as alcohol and caffeine (“Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Prevention”). It is also recommended that individuals take time to relax every day and keep stressful activities to a minimum. While these prevention techniques are helpful, it is also important to remember what kinds of individuals are able to maintain a healthy diet as well as find time to relax during the day. It is also recommended to seek treatment early if you exhibit any signs. However, many people may be without health insurance or other means to seek a diagnosis in the first place. The disorder itself concerns issues that are generally considered to be manageable and within the realm of one’s control so seeking diagnosis would be rare for those unaware that this condition even exists. Organizations such as the World Health Organization see this as part of a greater public health problem. They recommend reducing the factors that cause stress in the first place such as economic insecurity and inadequate housing, food, and education (“Prevention of Mental Disorders”). By sustaining an environment that allows all individuals regardless of race, gender, or class to be able to live a healthy lifestyle and have time to relax, we can hopefully decrease the rates and severity of these disorders. Finally, I will discuss treatment methods and options for those diagnosed.
            There are many treatment options recommended for those diagnosed including therapy and medication. Those with mild anxiety often can be helped through talk therapy and Cognitive-Behavorial Therapy (“Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder”). The latter “helps patients develop healthier thought patterns” as well as ways to respond to anxiety-producing situations (“Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder”). When therapy alone is not sufficient to alleviate symptoms, medications such as benzodiazepines and anti-depressants are prescribed. While medication cannot cure the disorder, it is meant to help alleviate its symptoms. Support networks within family and friends are also considered crucial to one’s recovery (“Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder”). Combinations of these methods can help individuals cope with their anxiety and participate in society.
            From this overview, we can see how gender, race, class, and nation are implicated within this disorder’s diagnosis. The disorder is predominantly female as well as white. Those in lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more susceptible as well as less able to utilize treatment methods. Westernized nations see greater rates of diagnosis as well. These topics and more will be further discussed throughout this project.

References

Andrews, G. "Why Does the Burden of Disease Persist? Relating the Burden of Anxiety and Depression to Effectiveness of Treatment." World Health Organization, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.
"Anxiety Disorders." National Institute of Mental Health, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.
"Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)." Anxiety and Depression Association of America, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.

"Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Adults." NIMH. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2013.

Grant, Bridget. "Prevalence, Correlates, Co-morbidity, and Comparative Disability of DSM-IV Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the USA: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions." Psychological Medicine. Cambridge University Press, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.

"Prevention of Medical Disorders: Effective Interventions and Policy Options." World Health Organization, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.

"Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder." World Federation for Mental Health, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.

Introduction

Before proceeding with this project, I'd like to explain what brings me to this topic and what I hope to get out of this project in the end.

I intend upon researching General Anxiety Disorder due to my family's experiences with it. My mom has grappled with anxiety and panic attacks since I was born and it took me until high school to even realize that it was considered a disorder. I've slowly become more knowledgeable and understanding of these issues as my mom has applied for disability from the government. However, I'm still quite ignorant and know that there is so much more to learn from the biology of this disorder to how it has been treated by society.

I come to this project as a way to grapple with my own fears and anxieties that I could also be diagnosed one day. In high school, I thought that would mean my life was over and that all the work I've done for my education would be entirely for naught. I would live in fear of the world instead of getting to embrace it. Now I know these thoughts and assumptions were incredibly problematic and stem from society's views on disability. I hope to better understand where these thoughts originated from and learn to be more accommodating to individuals with this disorder.