Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) -- uncontrollable and extreme worry about hypothetical situations on a daily basis -- can have dramatic effects on your body, both mentally and physically. Some common physical symptoms include fatigue, irritability, muscle aches and tension, stomach problems including indigestion and nausea, headaches, problems with concentration, shortness of breath, palpitations, sweating, and hot flashes.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Frequent, overwhelming worry about everyday problemswhen worry floats from one thing to the next, for no real reasonthat's generalized anxiety disorder. It's a common problem, a pattern probably learned in childhood. You don't have to live that way. With counseling and medications, you can find peace of mindand quit worrying so much.
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See All 2 AnswersOver the course of their lifetime, many people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will be diagnosed with another mental disorder. These other illnesses, known as comorbid conditions, significantly impact their quality of life. Studies from many countries show that these comorbid conditions occur universally, in people of all ethnicities diagnosed with GAD.
Some commonly diagnosed comorbid mental disorders include depression, other anxiety disorders (e.g. social phobia, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), and substance abuse and dependence. Diagnosing these comorbid conditions can be complex, both because symptoms often overlap with GAD, and because it may be hard to distinguish whether GAD came before or after the other illnesses.
Recognizing and treating GAD’s comorbid conditions is important. GAD with comorbid conditions is significantly more disabling than GAD alone. For example, comorbid depression and GAD are more impairing than only GAD or major depression on its own. Successful treatment for GAD can also help to ease these other conditions. -
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Social phobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder are anxiety disorders that can occur in conjunction with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
People with social phobia have a persistent, intense and chronic fear that someone is watching and judging them and they will be embarrassed or humiliated by something they say or do. Panic disorder is characterized by repeated panic attacks, or episodes of intense fear that strike often and without warning. Panic attacks cause weakness, dizziness and a pounding heart, leaving one feeling like they are having a heart attack or dying.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) leaves one obsessed and unable to control anxious thoughts (e.g. filled with doubt) or rituals (e.g. hand-washing). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after exposure to a terrifying event in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.
Left untreated, these comorbid anxiety disorders can significantly disrupt daily life and family routines. -
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The recovery process may take a toll on those caring for someone with GAD. Family and friends should build their own support system of friends, and if need be, talk to a therapist or advisor. The road to recovery is hard work, for both the person with GAD and those around them.
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See All 2 AnswersIf you have an anxiety disorder, you cannot make yourself get better. Avoiding certain situations only makes you feel more helpless and anxious. Avoiding these situations is not the answer. There are treatments for anxiety disorders, including medication, therapy (or a combination of both), and many traditional healing methods which can reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects people of all ages, races, religions, and incomes worldwide. GAD is not a sign of weakness or a defect in character. People with GAD cannot get better simply by “pulling themselves up by their bootstraps.” GAD is as real as other medical conditions like cancer or diabetes, and can and should be treated. If you have GAD, overcome the stigma that is preventing treatment by learning the myths and facts about the disorder. -
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See All 2 AnswersFamily members and friends should educate themselves about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and learn about its symptoms and treatments. They should learn what life is like for those with the disorder and how anxiety controls their day-to-day activities. Check with your family doctor, local library, or on the Internet for additional information.
Family members and friends can also help locate patient support groups in the community. Although support groups are not for everyone, participation in these groups may help those with GAD to feel less isolated and alone when coping with the disorder. These groups also provide an opportunity to see how others with GAD are successfully managing their lives, and offer structured activities to positively cope with anxiety.
Family members and friends should remember that anxiety disorders like GAD are real, serious, but treatable medical conditions. Family and friends can help in the recovery process and should not underestimate the disorder or insist they get better on their own. Instead, family and friends should:- listen fully and carefully to those with GAD without judging
- provide helpful suggestions and encourage positive coping skills
- emphasize the importance of continuing treatment to get better and stay well
- recognize and praise small accomplishments
- modify expectations during stressful periods
- measure progress on the basis of individual improvement
- be flexible and try to maintain a normal routine
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersGeneralized anxiety disorder is a common disorder that affects twice as many women as men. In America, it is estimated that 6.8 million adults have generalized anxiety disorder in any given year. This is slightly more than 3 percent of American adults.
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First, recognize that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a real and serious illness and not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. Scientific evidence shows that some people are genetically predisposed to anxiety disorders.
For those who have yet to be diagnosed–or are perhaps fearful of seeking professional help–supportive family members and friends can help them take the first step towards recovery. If you think that a family member or friend may have the disorder, there are many places you can refer him or her for diagnosis and treatment, including:- Family doctors
- Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
- Religious leaders/counselors
- Community mental health centers
- Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
- University- or medical school-affiliated programs
- Social service agencies
- Private clinics and facilities
- Employee assistance programs
- Psychiatric professional associations
- Consumer-based mental health organizations
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredSee All 3 Answers
There are several steps in the process of diagnosing generalized anxiety disorder. Doctors routinely conduct a physical examination to rule out medical problems that may be causing your anxiety. A psychological test is usually given to eliminate other causes. Health care professionals may also ask a series of questions related to the symptoms experienced. The final diagnosis is made if you meet the specific criteria for GAD listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which include experiencing severe anxiety for a minimum of six months, not feeling in control of your anxiety, and having your worries get in the way of your daily routine.
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RealAge answeredHere are the criteria for GAD from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.- Excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a variety of events.
- The worry is hard to control.
- For children and adlolescents the anxiety and worry are associated with at least one of the following six symptoms (and having been present for more days than not for the past 6 months):
- restlessness
- being easily fatigued
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
- muscle tension
- sleep disturbance
- The anxiety causes distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
- The disturbance is not related to substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition.
- The disturbance is not better explained by another medical disorder (e.g., hyperthyroidism).