Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday issues, even when there is little to provoke it. People with GAD anticipate disaster and are overly concerned with various problems. While their anxiety may be mild at times, allowing them to function, severe anxiety can interfere with daily activities. GAD is diagnosed when excessive worrying impacts functioning for at least six months. Treatment involves medication, therapy, or a combination to manage symptoms and any accompanying disorders like depression.

1. Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

2. People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) go through the day filled with exaggerated WORRY and TENSION , even though there is little or nothing to provoke it. Sometimes just the thought of getting through the day produces anxiety.

3. They anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about health issues, money, family problems, or difficulties at school or work. People with GAD can ’t seem to get rid of their concerns, even though they usually realize that their anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants.

4. GAD affects 2X as many women as it does men. GAD develops gradually, and can begin at any point in the life cycle. The years of highest risk are between childhood and middle age.

8. GAD is diagnosed when a person worries excessively about a variety of everyday problems for at least 6 months and impacts life functioning. If you think you have an anxiety disorder, the first person you should see is your family doctor . They will determine whether the symptoms are due to an anxiety disorder, another medical condition, or both. If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, the next step is usually seeing a mental health professional. GAD: Getting a diagnosis

10. We know that genetics seems to play a role in the development of some anxiety disorders, and there is evidence that genes play a modest role in GAD. However, GAD (like many mental disorders) is probably the result of a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors. And, several parts of the brain (including the amygdala and hippocampus) are known to be involved in the production of fear and anxiety. By learning more about how the brain creates fear and anxiety, scientists may be able to devise better treatments for anxiety disorders. What Causes GAD?

12. Medication will not cure anxiety disorders, but can keep them under control while the patient receives therapy. And, any accompanying disorders also have to be treated using the appropriate therapies. With proper treatment, many people with anxiety disorders can lead normal, fulfilling lives! Treatment for GAD

13. Want to know more about Generalized Anxiety Disorder? The information provided in this presentation is based on information provided by the National Institute of Mental Health. For more information about GAD, visit their website at www.nimh.nih.gov or talk to your family physician. _______________________________ Image Credits Slide 1: Paulo Correa aka Nookiez - http://www.sxc.hu/profile/nookiez Slide 5: Post Secret – http://www.postsecretcommunity.com

14. Sun Life Financial Chair In Adolescent Mental Health For more information visit WWW.TEENMENTALHEALTH.ORG BLOG.TEENMENTALHEALTH.ORG