We all have experienced anxiety at one time or another.  It can manifest as worry, nervousness,
fear or concern. Anxiety can occur when we have to give a speech, go for a job interview, or
go on that first date. Most of us manage anxious feelings without them causing a major
disruption in our lives.

However, approximately 15% of the American population suffer from devastating and constant
anxiety that severely affects their lives, sometimes resulting in living in highly confining ways.  
For them, anxiety is a constant controlling factor in their lives.

When an individual's anxiety is so pervasive that it begins to control his or her life, we refer to
this problem as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD.  An anxiety disorder affects a person’s
behavior, thoughts, feelings and physical sensations.  

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is often accompanied by depression and is now the leading
mental health concern facing Americans today.  The predominant symptom for individuals
suffering from GAD) is their inability to stop worrying.  Instead of brief moments of intense
anxiety, the person with generalized anxiety disorder feels symptoms throughout most of the
day.  
Although the pattern varies for each person, the most common symptoms include:
  • Increased blood pressure, which causes tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
  • Constriction of blood vessels in the arms and legs and dilation of the vessels surrounding
    the skeletal muscles
  • Reduced salivary secretions
  • Spasms in the esophagus, stomach and intestines
  • Hyperventilation or over-breathing, which lowers the level of carbon dioxide in the blood,
    with symptoms of “air hunger”, deep sighs and “pins and needles” sensations
  • Need for frequent urination
  • Tense muscles, which lead to involuntary trembling, tension headaches and other aches
    and pains
  • Feelings of apprehension, over-arousal and feeling “on edge”.  She or he may feel irritable
    and complain of poor concentration, insomnia or fatigue

Individuals with GAD usually are able to participate in daily life activities.  However, they
frequently do so with great effort.  They often have difficulty shutting off their thoughts and are
overcome with feelings of worry, dread, fatigue and a loss of interest in life.

Recovery from generalized anxiety requires the proper treatment.  The best treatment is based
upon the individual’s specific type of anxiety and his or her unique life factors.  Length of
treatment is based upon these unique life factors, with the time period ranging anywhere from a
few weeks or months up to a year or more.  Individuals with a condition such as depression or
alcoholism in combination with an anxiety disorder typically require a more complicated,
extended period of treatment.

While a treatment plan must be specifically designed for each individual, there are a number of
standard approaches.  Mental health professionals who specialize in treating anxiety most often
use a combination of treatments.  Please remember there is no single correct approach.  
Treatment may include:
  • cognitive/behavioral therapy
  • relaxation training
  • biofeedback (including EEG neurofeedback) and
  • medication.

  • Cognitive/behavioral therapy explores the psychological and social stressors that may be
    contributing to the anxiety and how to make the behavioral changes to address the
    problem.  

  • Relaxation training and biofeedback are techniques to teach individuals ways to control
    bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and even brain wave
    patterns in order to decrease anxiety and panic.

  • EEG Neurofeedback has been found to be an effective, non-invasive treatment for both
    generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks.

  • Medication prescribed by a primary care physician or a psychiatrist is another method of
    treatment for both these conditions.  It usually involves taking medications such as anti-
    anxiety medications, beta blockers or benzodiazepines (sedatives).

Note:  This article is for informational purposes only.  If you are in need of mental health
services, please contact a provider in your community.

                                             ©  2008 Family Recovery Resources  
                                                         All Rights Reserved

Approximately 15% of      
      the  American            
     population suffer
from Generalized             
Anxiety Disorder

Individuals with GAD are   
  often overcome with       
feelings of worry,dread,    
  fatigue and a loss of
interest in life.
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