Imagine what it would be like to experience intense, persistent, and uncontrollable worry on a daily basis about a number of events and life activities. The experience is similar to a mouse wheel with a cycle that never ends. People who suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) contend with feelings of tension, apprehension, irritability, and worry on a daily basis. The focus of their anxiety is not specific or excessive to one area of life. Rather, it is the experience of diffuse and constant worries, " persistent what if thoughts." The majority of times the worries are unrealistic (e.g., what if I fall and break my neck, what if my house is robbed) (www. Anxietynetwork.com). Nonetheless the person has formidable difficulty controlling their worries. Physical symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance (DSM-IV, 1994). The anxious state of the person negatively affects the social, occupational or interpersonal areas of living (DSM-IV, 1994). Substance abuse and general medical conditions are ruled out in the diagnostic process. The symptoms of moderate severe anxiety must be present for a period of at least six months.
It is reported three to four percent of the population suffers from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, females are twice as likely to suffer from this disorder than males.
( Mash and Barkley,1996). Onset most often occurs during childhood or adolescence. However, onset after the age of 20 is not uncommon (DSM-IV, 1994). The majority of people report feelings of anxiousness and nervousness throughout their lives. The presence of symptoms varies in intensity and is heightened during periods of increased stress. Generalized anxiety is fully treatable that can be overcome over the course of three to four months with proper medical guidance. .
People turn to many forms of therapy in search of relief and strategies to assist in managing their worry.