Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assignment 2022

Running head: MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Name
Institution

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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Introduction
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is indicated by exaggerated, excessive anxiety and
worry about daily life events without any reason (Hirsch, Mathews, Lequertier, Perman &
Hayes, 2013). These individuals show symptoms of trouble with concentration, restlessness, and
constant worry. According to an article published by the University of Pennsylvania, GAD can
occur at any age (Upennedu, 2019). Notably, GAD’s symptoms are similar to other types of
anxiety such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Diagnosis of GAD happens
when an individual has three or more symptoms and is unable to control worry on most days in a
period of six months. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the causes of GAD and aim to
promote awareness, wellness and to reduce stigma.
Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
According to Anxiety and Depression Association of American (ADAA), there is no
identified singular cause and studies have shown that there are multiple factors are at play
(Adaaorg, 2019). Some of the common factors include the following:
i. Family’s history of anxiety: Lebowitz, Scharfstein & Jones (2014) notes that first
degree relatives of an individual with GAD are more likely to develop GAD.
ii. Personality: individuals with reserved personality especially as children are more
likely to develop GAD when they grow up.
iii. learned behavior: a person’s habit of thinking is learned over a long period of time
and is affected by a range of family, social, and environmental influences.
iv. Other factors may include brain structure, lifestyle factors include caffeine,
relationships (Women are more likely to develop GAD than men), job stress, etc.

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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Promoting Awareness, Wellness and Reducing Stigma
Currently, there is a need to formulate effective strategies to spread GAD awareness and
reduce stigma and discrimination. Shrivastava, Johnston & Bureau (2012) notes that stigma plays
a significant role in the economic loss, disability, constant suffering associated with mental
illnesses. Individuals suffering from GAD are in most cases victimized and are unfairly
discriminated from many roles in the society. Furthermore, they are also mistreated by their
friends and family. Egbe, Brooke-Sumner, Kathree, Selohilwe... & Petersen (2014), structural
stigma is widespread to a great extent and strategies for stigma-reduction should be quickly
formulated to spread awareness. Further, this can help in protection of these individuals’ rights
and provision of high-quality mental health care.
Nurses must have a thorough and complete physical evaluation of the patients prior to
initiating any treatment. Notably, this is important to eliminate other psychiatric and medical
problems such as substance-related disorders, alcohol withdrawal, cardiovascular disease, etc.
Furthermore, nurses can help promote awareness, health and wellness by educating the patients
on GAD and their treatment procedures. Also, they can extend GAD education to the patient’s
family members. The following are suggestions which healthcare providers can help individuals
suffering from GAD:
Exercise
Weir (2011) argues that exercise is one of the most effective strategies that assist
individuals manage anxiety and depression. Exercise uplifts moods and this can be explained by
the following theories: (i) altered brain chemicals – subsequent increase in physical fitness
through regular exercise changes serotonin (brain chemical) levels leading to improved