GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Introduction

Nurses can play an essential role in the management and treatment of anxiety disorders once individuals have been diagnosed. While being able to identify the characteristics and physical symptoms of anxiety, the nurse can help the individual and their family copes with the disorder. There are a number of holistic approaches to treating anxiety that have been proven effective. While pharmacological intervention is always an option, counseling techniques, exercise, muscle relaxation and deep breathing, among other alternative, are effective ways of managing anxiety.

Discussion

Anxiety Disorders and the Holistic Nursing Approach to Treatment

We have all felt the effects of stress at one time or another. Our bodies tell us when we are overloaded and when to slow down. If stress continues unchecked, it can develop into a more serious problem called anxiety. "...more than 20 million Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder in any given year and another 30 million will have the problem at least once during their lifetime" (Hunt, 2005, p.4).

Anxiety, essentially, is a normal reaction to stress. Slight anxiety can be motivating; it can motivate us in school or at work to perform better and achieve our goals. However, when anxiety gets out of control it begins to take on a life of its own. Consistent stress and anxiety can greatly affect our spirit, making life seem less meaningful.

According to Hunt (2005), anxiety is thought to be the most common and frequently occurring mental disorder. It is a popular occurrence that everyone will face at one time or another. It can range from an uneasy feeling to immobilizing terror. An anxiety disorder that goes untreated can push a person into a situation that can trigger or worsen symptoms. "When this point is reached, molehills become mountains and there are never any moments of peace, (Hunt, 2005, p.28).

While it can disturb all aspects of life, anxiety can directly affect (a) family and marital relationships; (b) productivity at work or school; (c) sleeping and eating habits; (d) exercise and activity; and (e) an overall sense of well being (Hunt, 2005).

Otherwise known to be a chronic problem, anxiety does not vanish overnight. It is thought to be just as disabling as any physical illness. Mild anxiety happens in our everyday life and as tensions increase, anxiety is an expected and natural reaction to certain situations. However, anxiety is not considered a disorder until it interferes with normal day-to-day activities. There are different levels of anxiety that range from mild to severe or panic.

Theories of Anxiety

There is no one theory of anxiety that explains all the clinical and biological data. Many theories have suggested possible etiological factors in the development of anxiety. Three major theories are (1) psychodynamic, (2) behavioral, and (3) biological.

Psychodynamic Theory

Freud proposed that anxiety is the result of unconscious psychic conflicts. When these conflicts, or forbidden impulses, threaten to become conscious, anxiety is experienced. Anxiety then becomes a signal to the ego to take defensive actions to suppress the ...