— Researchers May Find Answers To Generalized Anxiety Disorder (NAPSA)—Thanks to recent research, many people may soon havea lot less to worry about. This is important because a significant fraction of the world’s population is plagued by chronic and excessive anxiety so severe many consider it more disabling than lung disease, sleep disorders, drug addiction or major depres- sion. This is one of the major find- ings announced at the 154 annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association by the Global Research on Anxiety and Depression (GRAD) Network, a recently-formed consortium of leading psychiatric epidemiolo- gists andclinical researchers. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic and debilitat- ing condition characterized by severe and persistent anxiety, worry, tension and hypervigi- lance. Recent studies addressed GAD’s emergence as a social health problem that affects approximately five percent of the population. Perhaps even more disturbing is the finding that less then 20 percent of GAD patients receive proper care, probably because thedisorderis so difficult to diagnose. “GAD is a common, but often misunderstood anxiety disorder that robs sufferers of a normal, healthy life at home and at work,” said Ronald Kessler, Ph.D., professor of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School. “Although GAD symptoms take a much largertoll How Do You KnowIf You Have GAD? Are you plagued by excessive worry or constant anxiety? Have thesefeelings persisted for a period of six monthsor longer? If so, you may have GADif you have also experienced three or moreof the following symptoms, and they cannot be explained by another psychiatric or medical condition. Doesit seem like yourlife is just one tense momentafter another? Do you often: —eelirritable? —eelrestless, keyed-up or on edge? —havedifficulty concentrating? —havetroublesleeping? —feel exhausted, even aftersufficient rest? —have muscle aches and pains or muscle tension? —geteasily fatigued? @ than everyday anxiety, patients and physicians largely confuse its signs with those of other disorders, so the overwhelming majority of people with GAD go undiagnosed and undetected. This disorder urgently calls for greater public awareness and a concerned action by researchers and clinicians to improve the quality of care for patients and provide them with the highly effective treatments available today.” People with GAD do not simply worry excessively. Unlike normal, transient anxiety, the key characteristic of GAD is the patient’s loss of control over worrying. This worry also typically persists for many months, even years, result- ing in sleeplessness, irritability and poor concentration. The worry and anxiety associated with GAD are so intense, they may result in severe impairmentin virtually all social roles, including personal relationships and the ability to work. GAD often worsens and exacerbates co-existing health conditions, leading to further disorders, disability and demoralization, as well as depression. In fact, GAD often is associ- ated with chronic depression, other anxiety disorders and a wide range of medical conditions. To help people with this condition, the GRAD Network was formed. Supported by an unre- stricted educational grant from Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals, its aim is to raise worldwide awareness of the risks and consequences of mood and anxiety disorders such as GAD andto enhance the diagnosis and treatment of GAD among primary care physicians and mental health specialists. These experts say it would be wise to consult your doctor if you think you or someone you know suffers from GAD or any similar condition. For more information, visit the GRAD Network Website at www.gradnetwork.com.
