Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Causes and Treatment Essay Example

of proportion, but they struggle to overcome their excessive worries. Relaxation is particularly difficult for those with GAD, especially when it comes to falling asleep. Many people with this disorder spend a significant amount of time in bed, consumed by thoughts about future events and plagued by concerns about them. Alongside these worries, physical symptoms such as trembling, headaches, twitching, muscle tension, sweating, irritability, and hot flashes are present. In some cases, anxiety-induced nausea can lead to increased trips to the restroom. Occasionally, individuals may also experience blank thoughts, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

People who have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms. These physical signs can include neck tension, dizziness, tiredness, pins and needles, palpitations that are noticeably fast, strong or irregular, trembling or shaking, stomach ache, nausea, shortness of breath, muscle aches and tension, dry mouth,
and excessive sweating (Davey, 2006). Psychological symptoms may consist of restlessness or constantly feeling on edge,
easy fatigueability,
difficulty concentrating or having a blank mind,
irritability,
sleep disturbance (insomnia) caused by restless and unsatisfying sleep patterns due to anxiety-related factors such as muscle tension.

According to Thakur (2013), individuals with anxiety may experience difficulties when confronted with indecisiveness or uncertainty. This can involve constantly considering every possible negative outcome and feeling unsure about making decisions for fear of making the wrong choice.

Biological Causes

The human body is an incredibly complex organism, particularly the brain, which plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), a common mental disorder, can be explained by genetics and neurobiology. Research has provided empirical evidence linking biological explanations of psychopathology with this specific disorder. The presence

of biological factors is necessary for an anxiety disorder to manifest.

According to research by DiBartalo (2014), individuals with a more sensitive nervous system have a higher likelihood of developing generalized anxiety disorder later in life. The frequency, intensity, and duration of symptoms are considered when differentiating between normal anxiety and pathological anxiety. Those with highly sensitive temperaments tend to experience more frequent, intense, and long-lasting anxiety symptoms compared to those with less sensitive temperaments. These differences can be attributed to genetics, which impact an individual's biological makeup. Genetics also play a role in the fear response or "fight or flight response," which serves as a protective adaptation against danger.

Psychological Causes

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can be attributed to extended exposure to stressful circumstances. Anxiety disorders, particularly in women, have been associated with stress and trauma. Studies suggest that many individuals with GAD have encountered significant life pressures. People with generalized anxiety perceive threats and potential harm, leading to feelings of anxiety and fear. Some individuals with GAD may have gone through a loss or felt the fear of losing something.

According to Preti et al. (2016), excessive fear of losing valuable aspects in life, such as money, spouse, or property, has led to prolonged anxiety. This anxiety is commonly due to childhood abuse victimization and traumatic occurrences like rape, witnessing violent murders, or surviving serious accidents. Such traumatic events leave enduring memories that can contribute to psychological disorders like generalized anxiety disorder. Studies indicate that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder often mention experiencing traumatic events or experiences in their lives.

The occurrence of trauma often leads individuals to use daily concerns as a means of diverting their

focus away from past traumatic recollections. The emergence of generalized anxiety disorder can be attributed to illogical thought processes. Anxiety disorders stem from irrational suppositions. When situations do not proceed according to expectations, people may experience profound distress.

Kujanpaa et al (2016) suggest that some individuals possess an excessive concern regarding encountering something dangerous or frightening. These people also strongly crave love and approval from their community, along with maintaining respect and reputation in society. However, situations contradicting these assumptions can lead to the emergence of anxiety disorders. People suffering from anxiety disorders have a tendency to interpret everyday events based on these assumptions. For instance, if a student receives a score lower than perfect, they may become upset and obsess over worries of failing the class. Anxiety disorders often arise from exaggerated fears of harm. In fact, many individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) frequently hold recurring beliefs that they are in danger.

Preoccupation with negative thoughts and the potential for negative events to happen is a significant contributor to the development of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Those with GAD frequently experience persistent thoughts about death, injury, mental illness, and fear of rejection. Additionally, individuals with GAD tend to be highly emotional and susceptible to being easily upset or hurt (Preti et al, 2016).

Socio-cultural Factors:

It should be noted that women are twice as likely as men to develop generalized anxiety disorder. In fact, this disorder is more commonly diagnosed in females compared to males.

Anxiety disorder is associated with socioeconomic frustrations like poverty and unemployment. It is commonly found in individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds and the unemployed population.

Additionally, anxiety disorder can affect higher education students

and individuals with high-level jobs in busy companies. The stress caused by demanding careers or studies contributes to the development of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (Kujanpaa et al, 2016).

Moreover, research indicates that GAD is more prevalent among previously-married couples compared to those who are currently married or have never been married. Anxiety often arises due to tension and a fear of marriage dissolution.

Some geographical locations promote the occurrence of GAD, with high poverty levels and social problems leading to a higher prevalence of GAD patients. Additionally, anxiety disorders are commonly found in children due to academic pressure and unrealistic expectations from parents, which they may struggle to meet.

Treatment

Various treatment approaches exist for GAD, including cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on addressing an individual's thinking patterns and behaviors.

The treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves frequent sessions with a mental health professional. Individuals learn strategies to manage anxious thoughts, fears, and assumptions. The therapy focuses on recognizing, questioning, and substituting negative thoughts with more realistic ones. This approach is recommended as the primary treatment for GAD in pregnant individuals.

The technique (as described by Misri et al, 2015) offers a lasting solution for anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy evaluates an individual's responses and behaviors when faced with anxiety-inducing situations. This therapy instructs individuals on modifying their behaviors to eradicate stress that contributes to anxiety disorders. Medications are also utilized in the treatment of GAD.

Doctors may prescribe medications such as alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, and buspirone to treat anxiety disorder. While these drugs can offer temporary relief for the physical symptoms of anxiety, they can also cause side effects like dry mouth, diarrhea, and nausea. It

should be noted that in certain cases, these medications may even increase suicidal thoughts initially during treatment.

References

1. Davey, G., & Wells, A. (2006). Worry and Its Psychological Disorders: Theory, Assessment and Treatment. Chichester,
   England: Wiley.
2. DiBartolo, P. M., & Hofmann, S.

G. (2014). Social Anxiety: Clinical, Developmental, and Social Perspectives. Burlington: Academic Press

(2016). Generalised anxiety disorder symptoms and utilisation of health care services. A cross-sectional study from the “Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort”. Scandinavian journal of primary health care,17.

Misri, S., Abizadeh, J., Sanders, S., & Swift, E. (2015).

The Journal of Women's Health, volume 24, issue 9, pages 762-770, contains an article titled "Perinatal generalized anxiety disorder: assessment and treatment" authored by Preti, A., Vrublevska, J., Veroniki, A. A., Huedo-Medina, T. B., and Fountoulakis, K. N. (2016).

A systematic review and meta-analysis by Evidence Based Mental Health explored the prevalence, impact, and treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in bipolar disorder. Their findings suggest that a combination treatment approach involving medication and cognitive behavior therapy can effectively reduce worry and restore functioning in individuals with this condition. Thakur's article published in Duke Medicine Health News in 2013 also supports the effectiveness of this combination treatment.

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