Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most common form of anxiety affecting more people around the world than any other type of anxiety. People with GAD report a mix of symptoms–physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts.

• Physical feelings of restlessness
• Feeling jumpy and keyed up
• Tense muscles in the back, neck, or shoulders
• Trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty swallowing
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Trouble concentrating
• Problems going to sleep and waking up
• Feelings of dread or impending doom
• Worries about performance
• Thoughts about being humiliated
• Worries about being rejected
• Thoughts about safety

In order to be diagnosed with GAD these symptoms must persist on most days for at least 6 months. People with GAD worry about their jobs, their kids, safety, and school. These worries are not just everyday concerns–but a mountain of worries over molehill problems. GAD interferes with life. People with GAD often avoid doing things that can bring on symtoms which leads to greatly restricted activites. They may pass up on opportunities, isolate themselves, and procrastinate due to fear of failure.

GAD does not seem to be directly caused by one significant stressor such as a traffic accident, terrorist attack, or other trauma. However it does get worse under stress. Like most mental disorders,interactions of genetics, learning, and biology lead to GAD.

GAD can be difficult to diagnosis because of the variety of symptoms. In addition, some of these symptoms can be a result of medications or physical illness. However, there are great treatments available for anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you look at how your thinking may be related to your feelings. You learn to look at evidence and find any disortions in the way you interpret events. A variety of medications have also been found to help people with GAD. Sometimes a combination of medication and psychotherapy is called for, but that’s not always necessary.

Getting help for GAD is crucial. Chronic anxiety increases your chances of having headaches, chronic pain, stomach upset, high blood pressure, and even suppressed immune systems. If you have symptoms like those described above, please check with your primary care doctor to rule out physical causes and then discuss treatment options.

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nhbpda (March 18, 2009)

From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (March 18, 2009)

    Last reviewed: 18 Mar 2009