4.2
ANXIETY (generalized anxiety disorder)
TO YOUR HEALTH - PATIENT EDUCATION HANDOUT
DESCRIPTION POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that we all experience. But if a person • Continued untreated anxiety may contribute to either acute or
often feels very anxious without reason and their worries disrupt their daily chronic health disorders by lowering immune functioning
lives, they may have a generalized anxiety disorder. About 4 million adults • Excessive anxiety has been associated with heart disease, asthma,
suffer from general anxiety disorder yearly. Anxiety disorders often begin colds, headaches, muscle tension and other medical conditions
in childhood or adolescence but can begin in adulthood. Anxiety disorder • Ability to successfully complete projects may be affected
occurs more commonly in women. The emotions and fears surrounding • Sleep disturbances
anxiety can control an individual’s life interfering with ability to work, attend • Substance Abuse
school, socialize or maintain relationships with people. Treatment is available.
GENERAL MEASURES
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS • Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions
• Feeling that something undesirable or harmful is about to happen about your symptoms.There is no specific test to diagnose anxiety.
• Aches and pains for unknown reasons Medical tests may be done to rule out other medical disorders
• Tiredness, fatigue • Treatment may involve psychotherapy (treatment of emotional and
mental problems), self-care and medication
• Unable to relax, muscle tension, headaches
• Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is often recommended. Cognitive
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
therapy teaches how to change thoughts, behaviors, or attitudes. Behavior
• Dry mouth, swallowing difficulty or hoarseness therapy teaches ways to reduce anxiety with deep breathing and muscle
relaxation
• Twitching or trembling
• Self-care steps may include:
• Feeling irritable or grouchy
• Talking to a friend or family member about your feelings may
• Nausea, diarrhea, weight loss
help defuse your anxiety
• Sweating or hot flashes
• Keep a journal about your anxious thoughts or emotions.
• Easily startled Consider the causes and possible solutions
• Constant worry about things • Join a self-help group
• Palpitations • Learn relaxation techniques. For some people, meditation is effective.
• Shortness of breath • Reduce stress in your life where possible
CAUSES MEDICATIONS
It is most likely a combination of hereditary factors, environmental factors, • Antianxiety and/or antidepressant drugs may be prescribed
and chemical disturbances in the brain.
ACTIVITY
RISK INCREASES WITH • No restrictions. Maintain daily activities and interest even if you do not
feel like it.
• Women
• Attend social functions, concerts, athletic events, plays and movies.
• Stressful events or crisis in one’s life
• Relieve muscle tension and anxiety by engaging in regular exercise or
• Family history of anxiety disorders stretching
• Other emotional or mental illness (depression, panic disorder, • Self-help through reading inspirational material, journaling, volunteering,
phobias, dysthymia) watching humorous videos, listening to music and positive self-talk
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Lack of social connections DIET
• Avoid caffeine. Eat a normal, well-balanced diet. Avoid self-medicating with
• Certain personality factors (being shy or a worrier) alcohol or recreational substances
• Avoid tobacco products
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Professional help can shorten the duration and help you learn to
cope in the future. Recurrence is common. Recovery rate is high NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF
with a variety of treatment approaches. You feel you need evaluation or treatment for anxiety.
You have physical symptoms suggesting anxiety.
Symptoms become worse with treatment.
Unable to sleep
Student Health Center
WWW.SHC.SIUC.EDU 618-453-3311
This information is for educational purposes only. Consult your For after hours emergencies call 911
doctor for specific medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. or go to the emergency room.
01/14/2011