Anxiety is a significant and common problem. Bartley Rust, DHSc, PA-C, said that anywhere from 5-12% of the general population has Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Rust is the program director for the Doctor of Medical Science program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Rust explains that Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a chronic issue and it can last for a long period of time. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between worry in general and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. “We are hard-wired to worry,” said Rust. But worry can be productive. For example, “You worry about failing a test so you study. You worry about losing your job so you work hard. When it surpasses the point of being productive, then we have a problem.”
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder, the symptoms of worry need to be present on most days of the week for at least 6 months. “And it needs to be disruptive in more than one area–It needs to interfere with everyday life,” said Rust.
It is common for many people to suffer for years with the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and it really can interfere with their life. “That’s why this is an important issue,” said Rust. He explained that “silent suffering” can damage relationships and other unfortunate consequences.
Research shows there’s a correlation between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and heart disease. Contributing factors include increased heart rate and blood pressure.. “If you have untreated Generalized Anxiety Disorder, your risk for hypertension goes up, your risk for cardiovascular disease goes up, and your risk for heart attack and stroke goes up,” said Rust.
There can be other issues involved with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. “Two-thirds of people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder have another psychiatric condition, like depression, panic disorder, phobias, or substance use,” said Rust.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Risk Factors and Warning Signs
There are a number of risk factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Genetics can play a role and research shows that it runs in the family. Females are twice as likely as males to suffer from anxiety. Other risk factors include chronic illnesses and psychological trauma.
Rust explains that there are warning signs aside from just worry. “On top of worry, there can be other features you notice in yourself or others,” said Rust. “It can be confusing because they can overlap with major depressive disorder. These features may include difficulty sleeping, fatigue, muscle tension, and irritability.” He adds, “You may notice visible tension, rapid speech, being fidgety, or constantly moving around or seeming uncomfortable.”
Research also shows that there are two times in life when the onset of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is more common: In adolescence or early adulthood, as well over the age of 65.
“It’s important to pay attention to any disruption in function,” said Rust. For example, with adolescents, “a drop in grades or social personal interactions” may be an indicator.
Support and Treatment for General Anxiety Disorder
If Generalized Anxiety Disorder goes untreated, there can be a decrease in productivity at home, school, or work. “If the person goes on long enough without treatment, they’ll try and find solutions in their own ways,” said Rust. “Sometimes they can find help, and other times not. That’s where sometimes it can lead to substance abuse.”
People who suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder need to be heard and validated. “This is just as much of a medical problem as diabetes or hypertension or cancer. There are things going on physiologically and we’d love to get these people help,” said Rust.
“There is still a stigma around mental health. We’re doing better, but there is still a lot of educating to be done that this is a legitimate medical issue. As we look out for our loved ones, friends, and even coworkers, we need to validate them and offer to help.”
Medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy have proven to be effective treatment options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The medication options help regulate a neurotransmitter in the body called serotonin. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy works to change a person’s line of thinking to help look at thoughts from a place of neutrality and evaluate them.
For those struggling with anxiety, Rust says a primary care visit is a great place to start and Generalized Anxiety Disorder can be managed in that type of setting.
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