Generalized anxiety disorder affects nearly 7 million adults in America today. The disorder has been observed in twice as many females as males and can begin at any age. But childhood to middle age has been observed as the riskiest range. When a person spends half a year or more severely worried about daily problems, that person would likely be diagnosed as having generalized anxiety disorder.
However, the disorder (commonly referred to by the acronym GAD) hardly ever occurs alone. When GAD is accompanied by alcohol or substance abuse, the addiction has to be treated first before GAD can be sufficiently addressed.
It also often happens that GAD is accompanied by other types of anxiety disorders, which are generally treated with behavioral therapy and medication.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
The symptoms of GAD are displayed over an unusually long period of time (as opposed to a reasonable period of anxiety immediately leading up to or after a stressful event).
Those afflicted with GAD will not be able to set aside or suppress their worries even when they realize that the level of their anxiety is much higher than the situation usually warrants.
People afflicted with mild GAD or who are in its early changes have been known to be able to pursue careers to some success and even function socially. Some individuals may simply suppress their feelings, not even trying to avoid the situations that trigger them.
This is the reason why some cases are not diagnosed until the condition becomes so severe that the patient is no longer able to perform the most basic daily activities without triggering an attack.
In its advance stage, even the thought of having to go through a day can set off the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. It is, therefore, best for anyone who notices the above symptoms to seek professional advice at the soonest time possible.
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