Generalized Anxiety DisorderGeneralized anxiety disorder is a condition that is characterized by excessive worry, which can disrupt daily life. Concerns over one's health, financial situation, family issues or work problems can become all consuming and keep an individual from relaxing and enjoying activities. Some report that the anxiety is a constant while others see an ebb and flow in symptoms. Most realize that the worries are unfounded or irrational, but they can't seem to work past the anxiety that begins to dominate their days. A diagnosis of this disorder will be considered if symptoms have persisted for six months or more and are not focused on a single object, issue or situation. For some, the symptoms of excessive worry and anxiety as a result are not severe enough to get in the way of daily activities. However, others seek treatment because they find they cannot enjoy life the way they once did and they want to gain control over their symptoms. The good news is that there are options in treatment for this condition that can be quite effective in helping individuals enjoy life free from much of the worry. Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety DisorderThere are a variety of physical and psychological symptoms associated with this disorder. These symptoms can vary considerably in terms of severity and may include:• Restlessness or feeling on edge • Difficulty concentrating, easily distracted • Irritability or general impatience • Sleep difficulties, such as going to sleep or staying asleep all night • Muscle tension or aching muscles • Sweating, trembling, light headedness • Gastrointestinal problems like nausea, diarrhea or stomachaches • Inability to relax, startling easily
If these symptoms persist for six months or more and a specific source of the anxiety cannot be found, a patient may be diagnosed with this type of anxiety disorder. This condition does have a number of effective treatment options available.
Treatment for Generalized Anxiety DisorderPsychotherapy is used to treat this type of anxiety disorder, with cognitive behavioral therapy generally the first choice. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a patient identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that lead to the condition and develop healthy thought patterns to replace them.In many cases, patients can see an improvement in their condition with just a few sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy. Relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga can also help a patient with this disorder keep symptoms under control. This type of anxiety disorder can be a challenging condition that gets in the way of daily activities. Fortunately, treatment options for this condition have proven effective in controlling symptoms and helping patients enjoy a higher quality of life. Return From Generalized Anxiety Disorder To Anxiety Disorders 
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