Posted: September 8th, 2022

Human Pathophysiology

Human Pathophysiology
The selected health condition is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is an anxiety disorder that occurs at any stage of life. The condition makes individuals feel anxious over a wide range of events (Hou et al., 2017). People suffering from GAD always feel anxious and can hardly remember the last time they were relaxed. The difference between generalized anxiety disorder and anxiety disorder is the intensity and period of feeling anxious (Hou et al., 2017). The disease is a chronic condition that leads to severe worry even without provocation. For example, individuals experience excessive worry about their jobs, health, family, and money. Center for Disease Control estimates that 2.7 percent of Americans suffer from GAD. The prevalence is higher among females than males (Hou et al., 2017).
The cause of GAD is the complex interaction between environmental and biological factors. Some of the causes may include varying brain chemistry and function, genetics, differences in perceiving threats, and developmental personality (Nordahl et al., 2018). The risk factors include personality, genetics, and experiences.
The symptoms of GAD according to DSM-5 include fatigue, trouble sleeping, irritability, sweating, feeling twitchy, nausea, diarrhea, and nervousness. Other symptoms include difficulty handling uncertainty, overthinking about plans or solutions, fear of making a decision, difficulty concentrating, and perceiving situations as threatening (Nordahl et al., 2018). Symptoms among children may be evident through a decline in academic performance, excessive worry about being alone, or threatening life events (Nordahl et al., 2018). Others may lack confidence, insist on perfection, frequent stomachache, and isolation.
Treatment involves psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy includes cognitive behavior therapy, guided self-help, and applied relaxation (Hou et al., 2017). The medication comprises anti-anxiety drugs known as benzodiazepines such as escitalopram (Lexapro) (Nordahl et al., 2018). Individuals can prevent the occurrence of GAD by prioritizing life issues, keeping a journal, getting help early, and avoid drug abuse.

References
Hou, R., Garner, M., Holmes, C., Osmond, C., Teeling, J., Lau, L., & Baldwin, D. S. (2017). Peripheral inflammatory cytokines and immune balance in generalised anxiety disorder: case-controlled study. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 62, 212-218.
Nordahl, H. M., Borkovec, T. D., Hagen, R., Kennair, L. E., Hjemdal, O., Solem, S., … & Wells, A. (2018). Metacognitive therapy versus cognitive–behavioural therapy in adults with generalised anxiety disorder. BJPsych Open, 4(5), 393-400.