RASHID LATIF NURSING

COLLEGE

Mental Health Nursing

TOPIC:GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER
 OBJECTIVES

At The Completion Of This Unit Learners Will Be Able

To:
1-Definition Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
2. Epidemiology Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
3. Causes
4. Diagnosis
5. Symptoms
6. Treatment And Prevention
 GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER
DEFINITION
Generalized anxiety disorder is an anxiety
disorder that is characterized by excessive uncontrollable and
irrational worry about everyday things
 GAD is a common chronic disorder characterized by long- lasting
anxiety that is not focused on any one objects or situation.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF GAD

 The usual age of onset is variable - from childhood to late

adulthood, with the median age of onset approximately 31 years.
 Women are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from GAD than men.
 GAD is also common in the elderly population.
 CAUSES
 GENETICS
 BRAIN CHEMISTRY:- GAD has been associated with abnormal
levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain
 ENVIORNMENTAL FACTORS:- Trauma and stressful events,
such as abuse, the death of a loved one, Divorce, Changing jobs or
Schools may lead to GAD
 DIAGONSIS
The following criteria must be met for a person to be Diagnosed with GAD
A:- Excessive anxiety and worry, occurring more than six months.
B:- The person finds it difficult to control the worry
C:- The anxiety and worry are associated with three of the following six
symptoms. Only one item is required in children.
1. Restlessness or feeling keyed up.
2. Being easily fatigued
3. Irritability
4. Muscle tension
5. Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep
6. Difficulty in concentrating or the mind going blank.
 SYMPTOMS
PHYSICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL
 Tachycardia  Anxious Mood
 Chest pain  Worry or Fear
 Yawning  Irritability
 Dry mouth  Feeling Restless
 Nausea  Nightmares
 Abdominal pain  Feeling of being unable to
 Diarrhea cope
 Tension Headache
 Tinnitus
 TREATMENT
Treatment of GAD is a combination of Medication and Therapy
A-PHARMACOTHERAPY
1. Benzodiazepines
2. Antidepressants
B-PSYCHOTHERAPY
1-COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
CBT is a psychological method of treatment for GAD. Which
involves a therapist working with the patient to understand how
thoughts ad feeling influence behavior.
 PREVENTION

Anxiety disorders like GAD cannot be prevented. However, there are

some things that you can do to control
 Stop or Reduce your consumption of products that contain caffeine,
such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolates.
 Exercise daily and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
 Practice stress management techniques like Yoga or Meditation.
 Support after traumatic or disturbing experience.
ANY QUESTION
THANK YOU