Methods, Curriculum Types, and State Requirements
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety can be a normal part of life when faced with stressors such as changes in relationships, presenting in front of a crowd, or making decisions. When anxiety is persistent and interferes with daily functioning, it can be a symptom of a mental health diagnosis.
It’s not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, including a week focusing on anxiety and depression. This month is a time to raise awareness of mental health disorders and reduce their stigma.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about many different things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their worry. They may worry more than seems warranted about actual events or expect the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern.
Educational Methods
Communication
- Ask the student close-ended (e.g., yes or no) questions rather than open-ended questions.
- Ask the student opinion questions rather than questions requiring a particular answer.
- Call on the student for answers on topics about which they are knowledgeable or confident.
- Refrain from calling on a student who visibly appears to be experiencing anxiety symptoms.
Tasks and Assignments
- Provide students with an individual study area.
- Allow the student to use headphones, earphones, ear plugs, etc. to block out background noise.
- Provide the student extra time to make in-class transitions from one activity to another.
- Use a timer or other auditory device to signal that it’s time to start a different task or make another transition.
- Try to keep classroom routines as predictable as possible without sudden changes. Whenever possible, plan in advance for transitions that will occur.
- Consider modifying the ways class directions/instructions are given:
- Give directions that are concise rather than long and wordy.
- Provide visual aids accompanying verbal directions/instructions (e.g., write them on the board).
- Capture students’ attention before giving directions by telling them they need to listen to instructions about what will be given.
Treatment and Managing GAD
Treatment and management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) typically involve a combination of therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes. The goal is to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance quality of life. It is important to find healthy coping skills that will work.
GAD Behavioral Management
Most children generate a little chaos and disorganization. Yours might flit from one thing to the next — forgetting assignments, leaving items on the floor, and failing to finish chores once started. Keeping focused is necessary to get things done. Follow these helpful suggestions to help with your child’s behavior.
Classroom Management for Students with GAD
Through classroom accommodations, teachers can help students with anxiety to keep their studies on track as they work to manage their disorder(s). Which accommodations might be most useful will depend on the specific symptoms the student experiences. Thus, it is good practice to involve the student, their family, relevant school staff, and their external treatment team (if applicable) when choosing an accommodation plan.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Summarized
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life. Unlike normal anxiety, which is a natural stress response, GAD involves persistent and excessive anxiety that can interfere with a person’s ability to function.
Causes for Anxiety
Anxiety can arise from a combination of various factors, and it’s often influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental elements. Here are some common causes and contributing factors to anxiety:
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