Generalized Anxiety Disorder

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Generalized anxiety disorder is also called GAD. It is a condition where, for at least six months and sometimes without reason, you are worried, anxious, or nervous. The anxiety may be much more severe than the event causing the worry or anxiety. Because of the anxiety, you may not be able to do your daily activities. Symptoms of GAD may appear after physical or emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one. GAD is more common in women and those 25 years or younger. Tests will be done to be certain your physical health is good. Other tests will be done to learn if you have GAD. Counseling, medicine, or both are used to treat GAD.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

GAD is not life-threatening. If left untreated, you may develop other problems, such as alcohol or drug abuse or depression. GAD may cause problems with your mood, relationships, and work. With GAD, you may even have thoughts of harming yourself or others. Treatment can help decrease the amount and severity of your anxiety.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Psychiatric assessment:

Caregivers will ask if you have a history of psychological trauma, such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse. They will ask if you were given the care that you needed. Caregivers will ask you if you have been a victim of a crime or natural disaster, or if you have a serious injury or disease. They will ask you if you have seen other people being harmed, such as in combat. You will be asked if you drink alcohol or use drugs at present or in the past. Caregivers will ask you if you want to hurt or kill yourself or others. How you answer these questions can help caregivers decide on treatment. To help during treatment, caregivers will ask you about such things as how you feel about it and your hobbies and goals. Caregivers will also ask you about the people in your life who support you.

Medicines:

• Anti-depressants: These medicines treat GAD alone or GAD with depression.
  
  
• Antianxiety medicine: This medicine may be given to decrease anxiety and help you feel calm and relaxed.

Tests:

You may have any of the following:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  

• Urine sample: For this test you need to urinate into a small container. You will be given instructions on how to clean your genital area before you urinate. Do not touch the inside of the cup. Follow instructions on where to place the cup of urine when you are done.
  
  

Treatment options:

You may have individual counseling to treat GAD. Any of the following therapies may be used:

• Exposure therapy: Exposure or desensitization therapy helps you face a feared object, person, or situation. Fantasy (not real) or real-life situations are used with this therapy. The goal of desensitization therapy is to help decrease your fear or anxiety.
  
  
• Cognitive restructuring: Caregivers help you find out which thoughts produce anxiety. These thoughts are then replaced with more pleasant ones.
  
  
• Relaxation therapy: Relaxation therapy teaches you how to calm your body and mind. The goal is to feel less physical (body) stress and have less emotional (mind) stress.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Inpatient Care)