The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

A Generalized Anxiety Disorder is excessive or unrealistic worry, out of proportion to the existing problems.  More than 85% of people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder state that they spend more than half of their time being anxious.  Generalized Anxiety Disorder is frequently associated with other anxiety disorders, such as social phobia, panic disorder, simple phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.  More than 70% of people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder claim to have had at least one panic attack previously.  The lifetime prevalence of major depressive episodes is 67%.  This relation is particularly important because depression may represent a predisposing factor for generalized anxiety disorder.  Although individuals rarely seek psychiatric help, they do frequently seek help from family physicians, cardiologists, and pulmonologists.

Elimination of dietary stimulants is recommended.  People should exercise because it reduces anxiety levels.  Behavioral therapy can be effective.  Progressive relaxation, stress management, and assertiveness training with or without hypnosis are frequently used as family, group or other forms of supportive psychotherapy. 

Drug therapies can be very beneficial for people with generalized anxiety disorder.  Most people respond best to benzodiazepines and report a change in how they feel within the first week of use. 

If you feel you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, please contact your Family Care Physician as soon as possible. If you would like more information please visit www.anxietypanic.com.

Phone code: 1757