Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry about everyday events and activities. People with GAD often experience uncontrollable anxiety and worry that are difficult to manage and interfere with their daily lives.
What are the Symptoms of Generalized anxiety disorder?
The symptoms of GAD can include persistent worrying or anxiety about a number of areas that are out of proportion to the impact of the events, overthinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case outcomes, perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they aren’t, difficulty handling uncertainty, indecisiveness and fear of making the wrong decision, inability to set aside or let go of a worry, inability to relax, feeling restless, and feeling keyed up or on edge, difficulty concentrating, or the feeling that your mind “goes blank”, physical signs and symptoms such as fatigue, trouble sleeping, muscle tension or muscle aches, trembling, feeling twitchy, nervousness or being easily startled, sweating, nausea, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome, irritability
There may be times when your worries don't completely consume you, but you still feel anxious even when there's no apparent reason. For example, you may feel intense worry about your safety or that of your loved ones, or you may have a general sense that something bad is about to happen.Your anxiety, worry or physical symptoms cause you significant distress in social, work or other areas of your life. Worries can shift from one concern to another and may change with time and age.
Are there risk factors for GAD?
Women are diagnosed with GAD somewhat more often than men are.
Risk factors include:
Personality. A person whose temperament is timid or negative or who avoids anything dangerous may be more prone to generalized anxiety disorder than others are.
Genetics. Generalized anxiety disorder may run in families.
Experiences. People with generalized anxiety disorder may have a history of significant life changes, traumatic or negative experiences during childhood, or a recent traumatic or negative event. Chronic medical illnesses or other mental health disorders may increase risk.
How is GAD diagnosed?
Generalized anxiety disorder can be diagnosed with the DSM-5 criteria or various questionnaires such as the GAD-7 by a mental health professional or primary care physician. The clinician may ask about the patient’s symptoms, family history, and medical history and conduct a physical exam. It may take time to distinguish generalized anxiety from other medical or mental health conditions such as OCD, phobias, and depression.
How is GAD treated?
Your healthcare provider will consider your overall health, and other factors when advising treatment for you. Treatment may include Medicine, Counseling (cognitive behavioral therapy, or psychotherapy), Relaxation techniques, Working with a therapist to boost coping skills and Making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and avoid stimulating substances. Also, seek help with quitting smoking, drug or alcohol use.
When to see a doctor?
Some anxiety is normal, but see your doctor if:
You feel like you're worrying too much, and it's interfering with your work, relationships or other parts of your life.
You feel depressed or irritable, have trouble with drinking or drugs, or you have other mental health concerns along with anxiety.
Your worries are unlikely to simply go away on their own, and they may actually get worse over time. Try to seek professional help before your anxiety becomes severe — it may be easier to treat early on.
If you have suicidal thoughts or behaviors — seek emergency treatment immediately.
References
Generalized anxiety disorder - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic