Generalized anxiety disorder: living with constant worry
When anxiety never stops.
Dr. Émile Garnier
Psychiatrist
6 min read
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) differs from normal anxiety by its chronic (at least 6 months), excessive, and difficult-to-control nature. The subjects of worry are multiple: health, work, finances, family.
Symptoms
- Excessive and difficult-to-control worry
- Chronic muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings)
Differential diagnosis
GAD is often confused with:
- Depression (frequently associated)
- Hyperthyroidism (always check TSH)
- Excessive caffeine consumption
- Panic disorder (acute anxiety attacks vs. diffuse pervasive anxiety)
Treatments
- CBT: first-line treatment. Cognitive restructuring + relaxation + exposure to worries.
- SSRIs: escitalopram, sertraline. Onset of action of 2-4 weeks.
- SNRIs: venlafaxine, duloxetine.
- Buspirone: non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic.
- Benzodiazepines: only for short-term treatment (risk of dependence).
Self-help
- Regular physical activity (proven anxiolytic effect)
- Reduction of caffeine and alcohol
- Mindfulness meditation (MBSR)
- Strict sleep hygiene
#Anxiety#GAD#Treatment
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