Living With Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Jim Kesel
Most of the world’s populace has or will suffer from some kind
of mental disorder. It seems that a new one is discovered each
month. Never the less these disorders and Phobias can make the
life of the suffer quite miserable. One the most common mental
conditions is called anxiety or anxiety disorder. There are
many derivations of this common mental illness. A severe form
is called GAD short for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
In general anxiety is the natural reaction to being exposed to
a dangerous, unsecured or threatening experience. GAD on the
other hand is an excessive and pathological anxiety. It is so
severe that often people who suffer from it cannot normally
function in society. Their daily life’s activities are
disrupted by unreasonable fears to the point that they are
unable do much more than physically exist.
The unique feather of GAD is that is not triggered by a
specific incident, situation or object. This “free-floating”
anxiety, unlike panic or anxiety attacks does not depend on a
memory of a triggering event. Worldwide it is estimated that
between 175 and 196 million people suffer from GAD. Women are
more likely then men to suffer from this anxiety disorder.
It is generally accepted that generalized anxiety disorder is
associated with the irregular levels of chemical
neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin, Norepinepherine and
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) are chemical neurotransmitters
known to be involved with anxiety disorders. Research has shown
that all three of these chemicals interact with one another
during an anxiety or panic attack. The reduction of one or more
of these neurotransmitters can result in the reduction of
anxiety.
GAD suffers are at high risk to react to situation or location
stress such as in large crowded stores, work place and
transportation environments. Normal anxiety stressors like
interpersonal relationships at work and school, financial and
health problems can increase the affects of GAD symptoms.
Additional psychiatric problems commonly are manifest with GAD.
These include depression, phobias and panic disorders. Adding
these problems to the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder
can complicate treatment options. Frequently the patient also
will suffer from a number of physical disorders related to
stress. These include intestinal, digestion and
cardio-pulmonary related problems.
Additional Gad symptoms include sleep disorders, racing
thoughts, persistent unreasonable worries, nausea, persistent
lack of energy and tiredness, depression, the inability to
concentrate, manic like mood swings and inability to use self
control around others especially in a social environments. All
of which makes the life of a Generalized Anxiety Disorder
sufferer absolutely miserable.
As you can clearly see this is a very serious mental disorder
that requires serious medical treatment. As with any anxiety
disorder the sooner you address the condition the more likely
you will have favorable results and outcome. The worst thing a
sufferer of GAD can do is ignore their symptoms until they are
so affected, they are unable to live a normal life.
If you have one or more of the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety
Disorder you should consult you family physician. Most likely
they will refer you to mental health professional that
specializes in treating this serious disorder. Again time is of
the essence when treating any mental disorder
About The Author: James A. Kesel, MS
http://www.stop-anxiety-attacks.net
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