Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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I. Introduction
A. What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
B. Living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

II. Symptoms of GAD
A. Mental
B. Physical

III. Who gets GAD?
A. Risk Factors
B. U.S. Statistics on GAD
C. When does GAD start? D. Co-morbidities

IV. Treatments for GAD
A. Medications
B. Therapy
C. Self-Help

V. Conclusion
A. The future of GAD
B. Living life with less anxiety
C. Final thoughts

Anxiety happens to everyone, at some point in time. In fact, a little anxiety can actually be good for you. It can help you respond appropriately to danger, and it can motivate you to excel at work and home. (www.mayoclinic.com) However, when anxiety becomes so strong that it affects your daily …show more content…

The most popular types of medication prescribed for GAD are antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Antidepressants – these drugs were originally developed to treat depression; however, studies have shown that they also produce results when used to treat anxiety. These drugs take approximately 4-6 weeks for patients to feel the full effects.
• Anti-anxiety medications – this class of drug is called a benzodiazepine. The effects on anxiety are felt almost immediately, usually within ninety minutes. Doctors are hesitant to prescribe these types of drugs, however, because they carry with them a high potential for physical and psychological addiction. Some GAD sufferers develop withdrawal symptoms that can be quite dangerous, even deadly, if the medication is stopped suddenly. Patients need to speak to their doctor in order to taper off these medications.
• SSRIs – this class of drug is a relatively new type of antidepressant that helps treat anxiety. These drugs alter the amount of serotonin in the brain, thus altering the way that cells in the brain communicate with each other.

Before taking any prescription medications, patients should learn what the effects and side effects of the drug are. In addition, the patient should advise their doctor of any other medications they

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