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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by unrealistic or excessive anxiety and worrying about a number of events or activities that are persistent (more than 6 months) and not restricted to particular circumstances (i.e. it is ‘free-floating’). Common features include apprehension, with worries about future misfortune, inner tension and difficulty in concentrating; motor tension, with restlessness, tremor and headache; and autonomic anxiety, with excessive perspiration, dry mouth and epigastric discomfort. It is often associated with life events and environmental stress, and with physical illness. It may also be present in many patients with ‘medically unexplained physical symptoms’. The prevalence of GAD in the general population aged between 15 and 54 years is approximately 5.1%. Twelve month community prevalence rates are 2–4%. Primary care point prevalence is about 8%. The mean age of onset is approximately 35 years, and it is twice as common among women over 20 years. The level of disability is similar to depression, and there is a strong association with physical illness. To differentiate the diagnosis from depressive illness, patients should be questioned about symptoms such as loss of interest and pleasure, loss of appetite and weight, diurnal variation in mood and early morning waking. Xanax Discussion - Information regarding the usage of Xanax and other benzodiazepines for the treatment of Panic Disorder. |
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