population between the ages of 18-54. GAD usually strikes in childhood oradolescence, but can begin in adulthood.(2) It affectswomen more often than men. The reason that femaleshave higher rates than males for most anxietydisorders has not been clearly identified. Researchsuggests that the role of gonadal steroids inwomen may be a contributing factor for their higherrate of anxiety disorders. Women also experience awider range of stressful life events as compared tomen, who react to a more limited range of stressfullife events. Other researchers think GAD may be transferred through genes.(3) Treatments for GAD include medications andbehavioral therapy. GAD rarely occurs alone, it isusually accompanied by other conditions that must betreated along with GAD. The ultimate goal is to be ableto cure, and possibly prevent anxiety disorders likeGAD(4)References 1. Myers, David G. Psychology (6th edition). Anxiety Disorders. Ch. 15, pg. 539. Worth Publishers, 41 Madison Ave., New York, NY. 2001. 2. Surgeon Genral Online. Mental Health, (Ch. 4). Adults and Mental Health. www.surgeongenral.gov/library/mentalhealth/ chapter 4,Access date: October 20, 2001. 3. National Institute of Mental Health. Facts about Generalized Anxiety Disorder. www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety/gadfacts. Access date: November 6, 2001. 4. Internet Mental Health. Stress Disoders. www.mentalhealth.com. Access date: November 8, 2001. ...
