Generalized anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is a part of daily life. While mild levels of anxiety can be positive, moderate to severe levels can cause intense distress. When anxiety interferes with a person's ability to function, it warrants treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic disabling condition characterized by at least 6 months of frequent worries and three of the following symptoms: fatigue, restlessness, poor concentration, irritability, muscle tension, and unsatisfying sleep. The primary treatment for anxiety is pharmacotherapy. Medication prescribed for anxiety has shifted from exclusive benzodiazepine therapy to a combination of benzodiazepine and antidepressant drugs. The principal disadvantages of benzodiazepines are their long-term use with associated physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Several reports support the serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Pary
Ray
R
Mental Health and Behavioral Science and Pharmacy Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Louisville, KY, USA. raymond.pary@med.va.gov
Matuschka
Paul R
PR
Lewis
Susan
S
Caso
William
W
Lippmann
Steven
S
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors