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According to a recent nationwide survey, Generalized Anxiety Disorder - marked by symptoms of restlessness, irritability and fatigue - negatively impacts many aspects of men's lives, especially their friendships and romantic relationships.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, commonly known as GAD, is one of the most prevalent anxiety disorders and affects more than 4 million American adults each year. Though treatable, GAD remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially among men.
The survey, sponsored by a leading anxiety awareness organization, found that more than half of male GAD patients avoid social activities, compared with less than 10 percent of men without GAD.
When asked about the impact of GAD on their romantic relationships, 68 percent of male GAD patients indicated that their condition negatively impacts their relationships with their spouses or significant others.
Overall, approximately three-fourths of men suffering from GAD felt their personal relationships would improve if they did not have the disorder.
"The important thing for both men and women to know is that GAD is treatable," said Dr. Andrew Farah, assistant clinical faculty member at Wake Forest University's Department of Psychiatry. "Treatment often includes both psychotherapy and medication, commonly a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is important to find a treatment that works best for you and effectively relieves your symptoms with minimal side effects."
Of the survey respondents diagnosed with GAD, 93 percent reported an improvement in their quality of life after beginning treatment.
You may be suffering from GAD if you have been experiencing feelings of excessive worry about everyday events for more than six months. Additional symptoms vary from person to person, but may include:
* Feeling restless or on edge
* Having difficulty concentrating
* Irritability
* Fatigue
* Muscle tension
* Trouble sleeping or changes in sleep pattern
"It is often difficult to diagnose and treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder in men because they frequently overlook their symptoms and believe they can overcome the condition on their own, without professional help," Farah said, "If experiencing symptoms of GAD, you should visit a health care professional who can tailor a treatment that is right for you."
By: Richard Lewis
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