Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Course Summary

Generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed in individuals who are fearful and who worry excessively. Unlike most people who can control anxious thoughts and who can realize when their worry is excessive, people with generalized anxiety disorder struggle with mental and physical responses to situations or irrational thoughts to an extent of being disabled or immobilized. With medication and cognitive behavioral therapy, people with generalized anxiety disorder can begin to improve how they function socially, at work, and in school. Rather than avoid situations, individuals with generalized anxiety disorder can begin to improve their thought processes and anxious responses by becoming engaged in treatment and practicing new ways of thinking as well as through medication adherence.