Understanding Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Common Methods of Intervention

Written By Richard Wise

Photo by Andrew Neel

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common mental health illnesses affecting millions worldwide. Affecting around 1 in 4 people in Australia, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has stated that anxiety is the country’s most common mental health condition. Anxiety is the body’s natural response to danger and stress. However, when this response becomes excessive, it develops feelings of tension, upsetting thoughts and an overall worry about everyday activities and events. Individuals diagnosed with GAD usually have recurring intrusive thoughts and may also experience physical symptoms.

There are three categories of symptoms for General Anxiety Disorder which are physical, emotional, and behavioural. The physical symptoms include:

  • Dizziness

  • Muscle tension Fatigue

  • Irregular heartbeats Excessive sweating Stomach ache Headache

  • Trembling or shaking Difficulty sleeping

Below is a list of the Psychological symptoms, which include behavioural and emotional symptoms:

  • Restlessness

  • Irritability

  • Difficulty controlling feelings of worry about everyday activities and events Difficulty concentrating

  • Constantly feeling ‘on edge’

  • Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety

  • A sense of dread or fear

Causes of Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety affects around 2.6% of the Australian population yearly and usually begins developing in childhood or adolescence and continues into adulthood. It is estimated that 1.9% of Australian men and 5.1% of women in their lifetime will experience GAD. While researchers have not yet entirely understood what causes GAD, studies conducted suggest that it is a combination of environmental, biological and psychological factors that impact the development of GAD. Some of these factors contain:

Genetics: GAD is known to run in families; however, it is unknown why some people get it, and others don’t. Individuals are more likely

to develop GAD if they come from a family with a history of anxiety disorders.

Brain Chemistry: An imbalance of naturally occurring neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, is frequently seen in individuals with GAD. Therefore, this could influence the development of GAD.

Environmental Factors: Stressful life events such as trauma, abuse, chronic stress and neglect can increase the risks of developing GAD.

Personality Traits: Certain traits are linked to a higher chance of developing GAD. Some examples are those who worry excessively, individuals who score high on neuroticism and individuals who are introverted and experience higher rates of anxiety.

Methods of Interventions:

There are a few different styles of interventions that are used to help with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, some of which are listed below.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This form of psychotherapy involves communicating with a mental health professional to help you identify and change problematic thought patterns and behaviours. This evidence-based treatment has proven to be an efficient approach to reducing GAD symptoms and is one of the most common treatments for GAD. Below are some techniques used by therapists who apply CBT:

  • Psychoeducation - This process combines group therapy, CBT and education to inform clients and families about GAD and its treatments. It helps reassure clients, motivates them into treatments, and helps them not feel alone.

  • Self-monitoring - This technique is a form of self-data-gathering where therapists teach clients about identifying anxiety responses. Clients are asked to record and observe their thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours concerning their anxiety.

  • Symptom management - This strategy minimises the immediate discomfort effects of anxiety. Progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation are one of the most common approaches to symptom management as they help the client feel more in control of their anxious interpretations. Another technique used is ‘distraction’; during this, the client will focus their attention elsewhere so they don’t feel anxious in certain situations.

  • Cognitive reconstructing: Involves therapists in helping clients change their unhelpful thoughts and beliefs by challenging them. Especially in people with anxiety, where the two standard thought processes are (1) believing that an unlikely event will occur and (2) presuming that the only outcome that can occur is the worst one possible.

Medication:

Medication is another familiar treatment psychiatrists and doctors use to help people with GAD. Taking prescribed medication will change the levels of certain brain chemicals associated with anxiety, which helps reduce the unhelpful symptoms. Below is a list of some of the common medications prescribed:

  • Antidepressants - Some common types of antidepressants prescribed are serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are the first kinds of medication prescribed in treatment.

  • Buspirone - This is an anti-anxiety medication an individual uses on an ongoing basis. Taking this medication usually takes a few weeks to become effective on symptoms of GAD.

  • Benzodiazepines - This medication is limitedly supplied to individuals to help relieve acute anxiety symptoms momentarily. This is because they can instantly relieve individuals from anxiety symptoms; however, a problematic side effect is that they can become addictive.

Lifestyle Changes and Exercise:

Making healthy changes in your life, such as reducing alcohol consumption, improving sleep, and eating a healthy diet, all contribute to lowering GAD symptoms.

Exercising consistently is linked to the increased natural release of endorphins in the brain, improving mood and can help enhance the feeling of being in a good state.

Supportive services for people suffering from anxiety in Australia:

  • Beyondblue - Free phone support (1300 22 4636)

  • Lifeline - Lifeline’s online chat counselling service is available seven days a week, phone support (13 11 14)

  • Kids Helpline - Free phone and online counselling for young people 5–25 years (1800 55 1800) You can chat privately for free with their professional counsellors over the phone or via webchat, seven days a week between 9 am – 1 am (AEDT).

  • Get a referral from your GP to see a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor.

References:

Causes:

Medications:

Treatments:

Article written by Aochi Dibbin

Psychology student at Deakin University who completed an internship with Wise Psychology

Richard Wise
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