Who gets GAD?
Around 5% or more of the general population will suffer from GAD at some point in their lives. The prevalence of the disorder is higher, however, in people who are already visiting a general practitioner. GAD is also more common in people with another psychiatric disorder, including another anxiety disorder. Finally, GAD is somewhat more common in women than in men. Most people with GAD say that they have suffered from excessive worrying all their lives; the condition may have an early onset and may continue for many years. Symptoms often worsen during stressful times. What to do There are several different medications that can be used for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder. These include benzodiazepines, buspirone, hydroxyzine and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines are also known as “tranquilizers”. Their major advantage is that they work very quickly to reduce anxious feelings as well as physical symptoms of anxiety. Their major disadvantage is that when people discontinue t
