Consumer Information

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. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. 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: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.

Medicines:

Anti-depressants: These medicines treat GAD alone or GAD with depression.
Anti-anxiety medicine: This medicine may be given to help you feel less nervous and more relaxed.

Tests: You may have any of the following:

Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.

Urine sample: A sample of your urine is collected and sent to a lab for tests. Your caregiver may give you a special wipe and clean cup. Use the wipe to clean the skin around the opening where you pass urine. Urinate into the clean cup. Put the lid on the cup. Do not touch the inside of the cup or the lid. Give the urine sample to your caregiver.

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.

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.

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