Psychological Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

- Introduction
All of us worry about things like health, work, studies and money at one time or another in our lives. However, people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) take these worries to the extreme: It is characterized by exaggerated anxiety and tension that persists for months on end, even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. Approximately 3% of the population in Singapore is diagnosed with GAD, and females are 3 times more likely to develop this condition (Lim et al., 2005). These worries can be so severe to the point that normal life and social relationships become impaired.

- Symptons
People with GAD usually experience the following conditions:

• Worry excessively about everyday events for at least 6 months, even if there is no reason to do so
• Unable to control their constant worries
• Have a hard time concentrating on tasks due to anxiety and tension
• Easily startled
• Might develop sleep problems as they have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Constant fatigue and headaches that accompanies periods of anxiety

- Risk Factors and Causes
This condition usually develops during childhood or adolescence, but it can also begin in adulthood. Research suggests that people might have a genetic predisposition to GAD, but environmental stressors such as abuse, job loss, or loss of loved ones, could trigger the onset of anxiety.

- Treatment
There is certainly help for people with GAD. It is commonly treated with medications and psychotherapy. Patients might be prescribed antidepressants to alleviate symptoms, allowing the person to be receptive to psychotherapeutic treatments. One of the most effective treatments for GAD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with an emphasis on teaching patients to reverse irrational beliefs and problematic thought patterns, and replace them with more rational ones. For example, if we are always thinking and expecting the worst possible scenario, then we will continue to suffer. With the help of a therapist, the patient will learn more adaptive ways of looking at a problem, challenging the validity of their worries in the process. Indeed, the effectiveness of this approach is empirically supported and robust; people who have received psychotherapy generally maintain the benefits they receive from the treatment over time. There are also ways in which the patient can help himself or herself to alleviate the symptoms of GAD. Research suggests that aerobic exercise can also improve the condition of patients with GAD. Eating healthily, avoiding alcohol and caffeine are also recommended to minimize stress.