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 Health Encyclopedia
Learn about the three most common types of Depression; Major Depression, Dysthymia and Bipolar Disease. Our Depression Medical Encyclopedia provides definitions, descriptions, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Depression.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Definition of Generalized Anxiety DisorderGeneralized Anxiety Disorder is one of the most common of the anxiety disorders. People with this disorder have excessive worry and anxiety for 6 months or more.
Description of Generalized Anxiety DisorderAnxiety is common and can be self-generating since the symptoms reinforce the reaction, often causing it to get worse and worse.
Causes and Risk Factors of Generalized Anxiety DisorderInitial manifestations appear before age 40. There is a slightly greater tendency for this condition to occur in women.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety DisorderThe disabling anxiety symptoms of apprehension, worry, irritability, hypervigilance (preparation for threat), insomnia, and somatic (bodily) complaints are long-lasting and persist for at least one month. The somatic manifestations may include rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and feeling faint.
Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety DisorderDiagnosis is made based on a complete medical history and physical examination as well as mental status examination. Underlying medical disorders must be ruled out, including conditions involving the heart, lungs, and endocrine glands, issues of substance abuse, and neurologic disorders.
Treatment of Generalized Anxiety DisorderTreatment may involve medications (SSRIs, benzodiazepines, buspirone), behavioral approaches (desensitization to the anxiety-producing situation, relaxation techniques), group, family, or couples therapy, and peer support groups.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Generalized Anxiety DisorderWhat treatment do you recommend?
Do you recommend medications?
What are the side-effects?
Do you recommend relaxation techniques?
Support groups?
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not serve as a replacement for care provided by your own personal health care team. This website does not render or provide medical advice, and no individual should make any medical decisions or change their health behavior based on information provided here. All pertinent content provided on this website should be discussed with your personal physician to evaluate whether it has any relevance to or impact on your specific condition. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.
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