Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is defined by the presence of general persistent anxiety about performance in activities such as school and work that lasts at least 6 months. To be diagnosed with this disorder the individual must find it difficult to control their anxiety and there must be 3 or more of the following 6 symptoms:
(1) restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
(2) being easily fatigued
(3) difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
(4) irritability
(5) muscle tension
(6) sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep
The anxiety and symptoms cause problems with social, work, and other occupational functioning and the disturbances and anxiety cannot be the result of another disorder, medical condition or drugs.
This disorder can occur at any point in the lifespan and individuals with GAD have a history of anxiety and always remember feeling anxious. It is estimated that anywhere from 1.6-5.1% of the population have GAD. 75% of patients diagnosed with GAD also have another disorder such as another anxiety disorder or a mood disorder.
The role of occupational therapy in helping to treat GAD is to educate the client and help them change their negative thoughts, diet modification, incorporating exercise and stress management into their daily routine and educating the client on a healthy lifestyle and expressive activities like art. An OT will teach the client how to face their fears and what makes them anxious, instead of avoiding them. The OT will teach the client assertiveness techniques, general social skills, community re-entry (helping them deal with anxiety while out in the community), expressive activities, time management, lifestyle alterations, and finally different cognitive approaches to dealing with their anxiety. Relaxation training is another common skill an OT can teach the client. Skills such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation are very helpful in decreasing anxiety and can help the individual learn to relax. The OT will do assessments to determine the extent that the individuals daily life is affected by their GAD. Treatment can occur in the individuals home if they are too anxious to leave the house (agoraphobia).
References:
Logsdon, D. (2009). Persons with serious mental illness.American Occupational Therapy Association, Retrieved from http://www.aota.org/CCL/Mental-Illness-CAT.aspx
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2011).Generalized anxiety disorder. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/generalized-anxiety-disorder/DS00502
Barlow, D.H. (2001).Clinical handbook of psychological disorders, third edition: a step-by-step treatment manual[pp. 154-209]. Retrieved from http://www.cognitivetherapynyc.com/pdf/barlow2.pdf
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