Generalized anxiety disorder

Anxiety is a part of daily life. While mild levels of anxiety can be positive, moderate to severe levels can cause intense distress. When anxiety interferes with a person's ability to function, it warrants treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic disabling condition characterized by at least 6 months of frequent worries and three of the following symptoms: fatigue, restlessness, poor concentration, irritability, muscle tension, and unsatisfying sleep. The primary treatment for anxiety is pharmacotherapy. Medication prescribed for anxiety has shifted from exclusive benzodiazepine therapy to a combination of benzodiazepine and antidepressant drugs. The principal disadvantages of benzodiazepines are their long-term use with associated physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Several reports support the serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of anxiety disorders.