To define generalized anxiety disorder, we need to consider what anxiety is normal and what anxiety may be problematic. Everyone experiences anxiety sometimes. A person may be anxious before taking a test or before receiving an evaluation of work performance. People may feel anxious when receiving a bill that is higher than expected. These things are normal.

Typically, when someone experiences normal anxiety, the anxiety goes away once the cause of the anxiety is resolved. For people with generalized anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away. Even if the person with generalized anxiety does not have a situation causing stress, the person may still feel worried or anxious.

What is generalized anxiety disorder? Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by a period of worrying and being anxious for most days during a period lasting at least six months. People with generalized anxiety disorder may not be able to stop themselves from worrying.

During this period of excessive worry, the person may also experience other generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. The person may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Someone with generalized anxiety disorder may be able to sleep, but it may be a restless sleep that leaves them feeling tired.

Irritability and muscle tension are other symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. This disorder can cause the person to feel easily fatigued and have difficulty concentrating. People with generalized anxiety disorder may feel on edge or restless.

Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder often includes both therapy and prescribed medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help the person to stop the worrying and other negative thinking. One of the key components of cognitive behavioral therapy is the replacement of negative thinking and unhealthy behaviors with realistic and positive thoughts and behavior that will perpetuate wellness.

Prescribed drugs for generalized anxiety disorder include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor are some of the antidepressants commonly used in treating generalized anxiety disorder. Sedating medication called benzodiazepines like Xanax and Zalium may be used, but are often only used on a short-term basis since they can cause problems with addiction.

It may take some time for people with generalized anxiety disorder to find the best treatment for them and receive relief from the symptoms. If the first treatment tried does not work well, the person should try to remain hopeful and positive. Generalized anxiety disorder is a very treatable condition.