HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN ANXIETY DISORDER

Dear Maria Elena:

All of a sudden my husband is very nervous, sometimes it is prohibiting him from going to work, going out with friends and it is affecting our relationship. How do I know if this is an anxiety disorder and how can I help him?

Signed: Worried

Dear Worried:

An essential feature of generalized anxiety disorder is excessive anxiety and worry about a number of events and actives. The intensity, duration or frequency of the anxiety and worry is out of proportion to the actual likelihood or impact of the anticipated events. Below are some of the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder. If the symptoms you describe are getting in the way of your husband's everyday living I urge your husband to see a mental health professional.

* Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge

* Being easily fatigued

* Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank

* Irritability

* Muscle tension

Maria Elena is a psychotherapist with a certification in school psychology. She sees adults, adolescents and children in her practice. To submit a question for a future column email Maria Elena at askmariaelena@aol.com. All submissions are confidential. Not all questions may be answered.