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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