Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is a condition in which sufferers are plagued with excessive, chronic worry about things in a manner that would be unrealistic and unnatural to the average person. People who suffer from this condition tend to be worried all the time and are often afraid the worst will happen. Generalized anxiety disorder is not only characterized by excessive worry, but sufferers also experience continual anxiety that lasts for periods of at least 6 months. Individuals plagued with this condition often find it difficult to control their proclivity to worry.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms

Those who suffer from general anxiety disorder already face difficult challenges with their inability to rid themselves of worry. Additional challenges arise as sufferers may experience the following physical symptoms:

• Headaches
• Muscle Aches
• Trembling
• Fatigue
• Muscle Tension
• Hot Flashes
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Irritability
• Twitching

Those who deal with general anxiety disorder may find themselves experiencing one or more of these bothersome symptoms. In order for a formal diagnosis of general anxiety disorder to be pronounced, these symptoms must persist for at least 6 months on a consistent basis.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Causes

While the exact cause of general anxiety disorder remains unknown, some researchers suggest that the condition may be hereditary. Stressful episodes brought on by family members, workplace environment, or other situational factors may also exacerbate the condition. Some generalized anxiety disorder sufferers recognize the condition's onset in early adulthood. In most cases this onset is triggered by some stressful event in their lives. Once general anxiety disorder develops, it can become a chronic condition in one's life.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Treatment

Generalized anxiety disorder is often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy or prescription medications like Alprazolam, Prozac, and Lexapro. There are also a number of herbs for depression and anxiety available for individuals who prefer a safer, equally effective alternative for treating general anxiety disorder.