They are tense, worried, have difficulty sleeping. Symptoms are chronic and are often worse during times of transition, but they are always present, said Brawman-Mintzer. GAD may result in clinical depression and can affect general health because of its influence on other body systems such as the immune system. Patients with the condition frequently go to their physicians with related symptoms such as upset stomach, headaches and chest pain. These patients utilize medical care and frequently require expensive testing to rule out physical causes of the symptoms.
Many patients lose time from work, and some are unemployed, requiring government assistance.
For years, valium-like drugs have been prescribed for the condition. Because of their sedative effects, patients may have difficulty driving or using heavy equipment while taking these medications. They also may be habit forming in certain individuals. We ve done some preliminary tests at MUSC with this medication, which is not addictive and doesn t have a sedative effect, said Brawman-Mintzer. The company manufacturing the drug has asked that the name not be announced yet.