Week 6: Generalized Anxiety Disorder

GAD:

It's normal to feel anxious from time to time however; excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that interfere with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder.

A child or teen with generalized anxiety disorder may (MayoClinic.org):

•   Feel overly anxious to fit in

•   Be a perfectionist

•   Redo tasks because they aren't perfect the first time

•   Spend excessive time doing homework

•   Lack confidence

•   Strive for approval

•   Require a lot of reassurance about performance

Causes

•       As with many mental health conditions, the exact cause of generalized anxiety disorder isn't fully understood, but it may include genetics as well as other risk factors.

These factors may increase the risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder:

Personality. A person whose temperament is timid or negative or who avoids anything dangerous may be more prone to generalized anxiety disorder than others are.

Genetics. Generalized anxiety disorder may run in families.

Treatment/Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. It can be an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Generally a short-term treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching you specific skills to gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety. Through this process, your symptoms improve as you build on your initial success.