Generalized Anxiety Disorder Case Study

General anxiety disorder is a psychological disorder portrayed by consistent, intrusive thoughts of worry coupled with the physical symptoms of anxiety. Statistically, people who have higher chances of developing this disorder are women and the older portion of the population. Symptoms commonly reported consist of racing heart, dry mouth, upset stomach, muscle tension, sweating, trembling, irritability, sleeping problems, hypervigilance, restlessness or feeling on edge, tiring easily, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, constant worry, and nervousness. Patients typically are prone to developing substance use disorders, alcohol dependence, and major depression. GAD sufferers continuously respond to fears by unconsciously triggering

GAD is the most common disorder in the spectrum of anxiety disorders (Generalized anxiety disorder: People who worry about everything--and nothing in particular--have several treatment options, 2011). Research has shown that people more likely to develop GAD are generally older and of the female gender (Generalized anxiety disorder: People who worry about everything--and nothing in particular--have several treatment options, 2011). “Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being older than 24 years of age, separated, widowed, divorced, unemployed or a homemaker were significant correlates of GAD” (Current Considerations in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 2009). This disorder, if left untreated, can be lifelong and so debilitating it could interfere with daily

To be diagnosed with GAD a person must report having intrusive, crippling worry along with at least three additional symptoms associated with the disorder, not resulting from a medical condition or reaction to medication, occurring more days than not for more than six months (Generalized anxiety disorder: People who worry about everything--and nothing in particular--have several treatment options, 2011). Symptoms of GAD include: racing heart, dry mouth, upset stomach, muscle tension, sweating, trembling, irritability, sleeping problems, hypervigilance, restlessness or feeling on edge, tiring easily, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, constant worry and nervousness (Generalized anxiety disorder: People who worry about everything--and nothing in particular--have several treatment options, 2011). Patients suffering from GAD mostly worry about everyday matters such as being late to an appointment, a loved one having an accident, their partner leaving them, academic performance, losing their job, or even about worrying too much (Generalized anxiety disorder: People who worry about everything--and nothing in particular--have several treatment options,