A psychological problem that affects millions of people, a simple definition of generalized anxiety disorder is: unrelenting and excessive worrying that is both disruptive and repetitive.

Generalized anxiety disorder usually occurs between twenty and thirty years of age but it can happen in all age groups. Even children and teenagers are not immune as the number suffering from the condition is significant.

For elderly people that experience generalized anxiety disorder, it is usually the result of a chronic ailment that started much earlier. The condition seldom starts abruptly in this age group. As for regular worries, this is part of normal daily life and not symptoms of this disorder.

Most people with generalized anxiety disorder are normally able to to carry on with their activities. For some, they are full of exaggerated tension and dread all of the time even when there is nothing to cause their worrying. The condition can interfere with normal tasks performed at work or with the person's social, family and emotional life depending upon the intensity of the physiological and psychological symptoms.

There are many treatments available including drugs. While anti-anxiety medication can treat the symptoms, you are just as exposed to panic attacks and excessive worrying once the treatment is over.

Providing that the patient is an active participant, psychotherapy can normally help people diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Such therapy helps the patient eliminate the thoughts that bring constant tension in their minds and bodies and teaches them how to self-soothe.

Some things that help reduce the level of anxiety include positive thinking, neuro-linguistic programing, interesting activities that keep one busy, breathing techniques, yoga, meditation and so on. It's worth mentioning that symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder are more intense during certain moments of the day or on some days of the week.

When the right treatment or approach is used, people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have every chance of recovery. However, there are cases of patients who remain trapped in the vicious circle for years on end, either because of the incorrect choice of therapy or because they cannot put into practice the techniques they learn in therapy sessions.

To significantly contribute to the level of mental health, patients need to apply such factors as determination, self-awareness and perseverance in finding a treatment.

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