Anxiety affects both sides of the brain depending on how it is expressed. Those with worried thoughts showed more left brain activity when nervous. Those with physical symptoms experienced more right brain activity.
To be diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, you must meet criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Also, your doctor may ask detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history. In some cases, mental health providers use psychological questionnaires to help identify what's going on. Your doctor may also perform a physical examination to look for signs that your anxiety might be linked to an ongoing medical condition.
Anxiety isn’t always related to another mental health condition, such as panic attacks, substance abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At least three of the following symptoms in adults and one of the following in children: restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension or sleep problems:
Symptoms
Generalized anxiety disorder is excessive and unrealistic worry over a period of at least six months. It is associated with at least three of the following symptoms:
Restlessness
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability or explosive anger
Muscle tension
Sleep disturbances
Personality changes, such as becoming less social
Treatment
The most common treatments for anxiety disorders are either psychotherapy -- which is talking therapy -- medication, or a combination of both. Which mix of those you have may depend on what type of anxiety disorder you have, and your own preference certainly on when you discuss this with your doctor. Antidepressant medications are the most common group of medications given for anxiety disorders, which can even help those patients who have no sign of depression.
Research
Many medical groups around the country are currently researching