Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Family Studies 12Mr. Schofield

April 11, 2014Lesson 5

Today’s Pathway

Check-In and Attendance Inspiring Story What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder

(GAD)? Defining Terminology Blackout Poetry & Gallery Walk Discussing Unit End Project Exit Slip: Blackout Poem Next Class: Panic Disorder

Resilience

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

GAD

Definition

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: “an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic free-floating anxiety and such symptoms as tension or sweating or trembling or lightheadedness or irritability, etc. that has lasted for more than six months.”

Description

Persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things.

Exaggerated worry and tension, often expecting the worst, even when there is no apparent reason for concern.

Anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues.

Who Is At Risk?

GAD affects about 3.1% American adults age 18 years and older (about 18%) per year.

The average age of onset is 31 years old.

GAD affects about 6.8 million American adults.

Twice as many women as men. The disorder develops gradually and can

begin at any point in the life cycle.

Symptoms

Worry very much about everyday things Have trouble controlling their constant worries Know that they worry much more than they should Have trouble relaxing Have a hard time concentrating Be easily startled Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep Feel tired all the time Have headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, or

unexplained pains Have a hard time swallowing Tremble or twitch Be irritable, sweat a lot, and feel light-headed or out of

breath Have to go to the bathroom a lot.

Causes

Genetic Brain chemistry Experienced trauma Extreme worry Environmental factors

Treatment

Psychotherapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Medication Antidepressants

Tips

Practice calm breathing Relax muscles Be comfortable with uncertainty Rethink your worries Improve problem solving ability

Blackout Poetry

How to Make A Blackout Poem

Blackout Poetry

Theme for Poem: Anxiety (GAD Specifically?)▪ Intellectual and/or emotional interpretation▪ Personal and/or observational reflection*Suggested to be anonymous (your preference)

You will need: News article (15 cm x 15 cm) Scissors Black marker

Gallery Walk

Poems will be placed up on the walls Everyone will walk around to read

the poems Comment on paper provided Afterward, collect poem and

comments Hand both in together

Unit End Project

Fill-out the following on the form: Topic (anything related to anxiety) Project type (video, essay, pamphlet,

poster, etc.) Partner name (if working with someone –

2 max)

Form is due next class, Tuesday, April 15th

Closing

Questions? Next Class: Panic Disorders

Contacting Mr. Schofield iTime – Rm. A 215 or A 130 Email –

schofield.killarney@gmail.com Mailbox – in office Blog – blogs.ubc.ca/practicum