Anxiety

 

GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder, a type of brain disorder that manifests itself in many different ways, involving chronic or long-term changes in perception, behavior, and body function. These often result in symptoms of hyper-arousal or increased alertness and anxiety. People with GAD worry constantly over relatively minor matters, which causes life-disrupting effects.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder occurs in at least 2 to 3 percent of the population. Women are twice as likely to be affected as compared to men. Most people with GAD report being anxious all their lives. Therefore, determining the age of onset is usually not possible. GAD is often associated with depression.

 

Cares to patient with Anxiety

1. Help the patient establish a bedtime routine (e.g., reading a book, drinking a glass of warm milk).
   
2. Encourage only as much activity and stimulation during the day as the person can tolerate without becoming excessively fatigued.
   
3. Allow for rest periods or naps throughout the day.
   
4. Relieved physical discomfort and emotional distress, which inhibit proper rest.
   
5. Judiciously administer sleep medications as prescribed to help the person sleep better.
   
6. To mitigate anxiety and distress, listen to the person and encourage expression of feelings about the accident, surgery or injury. Answer questions honestly; avoid being overly pessimistic but avoid giving false hopes too. Keep the person informed about the progress of healing. Teach people to report signs and symptoms of complications. To increase independence, encourage and teach the person to participate in nursing cares, when possible.
   
7. Recognize, too, that health care providers are not immune from strong reactions and feelings when confronted with people who have suffered massive injuries. Clinicians find it particularly difficult when the injury has just occurred and produces significant disfigurement.
   
8. Finally, pay attention to the physiologic and psychologic needs of the whole person. Carry out a systematic plan of action to ensure that you meet all of the injured person’s immediate needs. Try to accept the person’s negative emotions, and also understand and accept your own.
   
   
   
   

Causes

The exact cause of GAD is unknown, although it does appear to involve both psychological (mental) and physiological (physical) processes.

In particular it is believed, to be influenced by the activity of serotonin neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the Limbic System of the brain, an area, which processes information involved with emotions, memory, and behavior.

 

Symptoms

• Motor tension
• Restlessness, feeling "edgy"
• Easily fatigued
• Shakiness
• Difficulty relaxing
• Back/Neck pain
• Headache
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitation
• Frequent urination
• Shortness of breath

 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of GAD usually involves a thorough psychiatric examination.

A healthcare provider will interview the patient to identify symptoms, which correspond to GAD. Specifically, excessive anxiety and worry must occur more days than not and for at least six months. The anxiety is associated with three or more of the symptoms listed above. The result is an inability to work effectively or to enjoy social activities.

 

Treatment

The treatment of GAD involves both psychological (involving the mind or the mental processes) and pharmacological (involving the use of medication) treatment. The psychotherapeutic approaches to the management of GAD may include one of several types of psychotherapy, including Dynamic Psychotherapy, Supportive Psychotherapy, or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

 

Medication

All drugs can be grouped together by how they work (i.e., their specific mode of action).

Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the medication you have been prescribed.

Drug Type	Effect
Antidepressants	Slow down breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing the amount available for the functioning of the brain cells.
Benzodiazepines (minor tranquilizers)	Fast-onset-of-action. Have a muscle-relaxing and anxiety-relieving action, which produces calming effects. They may also be used to aid sleep.
Beta Blockers	Reduce some of the physical symptoms of anxiety (such as increased heart rate, shakiness, or palpitations).
Buspirone	Has a calming action by stimulating the brain. It may need to be taken for several weeks before the full benefit is seen.

What you can do

• Specific relaxation techniques, including biofeedback and meditation, exercise, and proper nutrition may help some individuals control symptoms of anxiety. For some people, these may work best when combined with medications.
  
• Individuals should avoid excessive consumption of caffeine-containing products or stimulants, and should avoid alcohol.
  
• Discussing anxiety-producing situations with the individual, and how to deal with them may also help.
  
• Patient and family education is an important factor in helping individuals cope with this disorder.
  
• Support groups can provide encouragement and suggest coping strategies, which can prove to be beneficial.
  
• A successful program can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and lead to recovery, allowing you to lead a normal lifestyle.