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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
by Jennifer B. Buckley
Feeling stressed as a caregiver
isn’t an unusual side effect of the role, but the time
to become alarmed is when disruptive and unfounded
thoughts about money, family or health consume your day.
If your worrying has become excessive or unbearable and
it interferes with your work, private or social life,
you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Generalized anxiety disorder is a chronic disorder
characterized by constant anxiety or worry for a period
of six months or longer about two or more life
circumstances. Your job, family or care recipient, for
example, are classified as life circumstances. People
who have GAD often complain about insomnia and an
inability to concentrate.
Dorothy, an office manager and caregiver, who has been
diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder said, “I
spend most of my day worrying about my mother who lives
with cancer. I have a difficult time sleeping and
concentrating and the stress filters into my job and
family life.” GAD affects nearly five percent of
Americans, most of who are women and symptoms include:
trembling, fatigue, muscle aches, heart palpitations,
sweating, shortness of breath, headaches and chills.
Symptoms can begin at any phase of life and the disorder
is highly treatable. Treatment of GAD consists of
medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy and dietary
change.
The symptoms of GAD can be treated with medications. In
some cases, people with anxiety disorders are treated
with Sedative drugs, antihistamines and mild
tranquilizers; along with anti-anxiety medications,
Benzodiazepines, Neuroleptic and monoamine inhibitors.
But, new research from Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories may
indicate an anti-depressant medication called, Effexor
XR, is more effective for long-term treatment of
symptoms. Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, a division of
American Home Products Corporation, is a major
research-oriented pharmaceutical company with leading
products in the areas of women’s health care,
cardiovascular therapies, anti-inflammatory agents,
hemophilia, infectious diseases, and oncology. According
to researchers at Wyeth-Ayerst Research, anti-anxiety
medications have been associated with drowsiness and the
potential for addiction, while new data shows the
anti-depressant Effexor XR is a safe and effective
alternative to current treatments for GAD. The Food and
Drug Administration has reported Effexor XR is the first
and only antidepressant now indicated for short and long
term benefits for people with GAD. It is also effective
in the treatment of women experiencing hot flashes.
Research shows medication along with
cognitive-behavioral therapy yields the best results for
this disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing
cognitive, behavioral and emotional patterns. The
therapist using this form of therapy attempts to
recondition the thinking process of the patient to allow
him to think healthfully and integrate relaxation
techniques in order to altar a behavior, like anxiety.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a proven therapy to
treat many kinds of anxiety disorders. Along with
medication and cognitive–behavioral therapy, a dietary
change could be necessary in the treatment of GAD.
Research shows hyperventilation, excessive caffeine
intake, could be directly attributed to generalized
anxiety disorder. If you drink coffee or other drinks
with caffeine you could be increasing the severity and
persistence of your GAD symptoms. Caffeine and other
stimulants should be reduced in your diet and inform
your doctor about the amount of caffeine you are
consuming.
You should feel comfortable consulting your doctor about
any physical symptoms of GAD, like headaches or
shortness of breath, as well as, any non-physical
symptoms like tension or worrying. More primary care
providers today, are taking an interest and becoming
more involved in the treatment of their patient’s mental
health, according to the National Mental Health
Association.
Without proper treatment of GAD, other physical and
emotional illnesses such as: clinical depression,
substance abuse and irritable bowel syndrome can
develop. Being a caregiver is a rewarding but
challenging role. If you are experiencing any symptoms
of generalized anxiety disorder, you deserve proper and
timely treatment.
Information was provided by the National Mental Health
Association and Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals.
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