Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Finding Daily Serenity
5 to 7% of the population affected
Dr. Lucie Chevalier
Psychiatrist
In simple terms
Constant worry, muscle tension, sleep disturbances: effective approaches to overcome it.
Recognizing GAD
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive and persistent worries, difficult to control, lasting more than 6 months and concerning several areas of life (work, health, family, finances). It is accompanied by physical symptoms: muscle tension, fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating.
Psychotherapeutic Solutions
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment. It teaches how to identify anxious thoughts, question them, and adopt more appropriate behaviors. Efficacy equal to or greater than medication in the long term.
Medication Solutions
- SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram) or SNRIs (venlafaxine): long-term treatment
- Buspirone: non-sedating alternative
- Benzodiazepines: to be reserved for acute crises, short-term (addiction risk)
- Hydroxyzine: for mild anxiety
Anti-Anxiety Lifestyle
Regular physical activity (30 minutes/day, equivalent to a mild antidepressant), mindfulness meditation, heart coherence, limiting coffee and alcohol, quality sleep, social contact, nature.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Acute
- Something that starts suddenly and lasts a short time.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Cognitive
- Related to thinking: memory, attention, learning and decision-making.
- Anxiety
- Ongoing worry or fear that is strong enough to affect daily life.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Finding Daily Serenity?
- Constant worry, muscle tension, sleep disturbances: effective approaches to overcome it.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Finding Daily Serenity?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Finding Daily Serenity?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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