Given the stresses of modern life, it is normal to experience occasional
anxiety. However, people with generalized anxiety
disorder, or GAD, suffer from persistent worry and tension that
is much worse than the anxiety most people experience from time to
time. The high level or chronic state of anxiety associated with GAD
can make ordinary activities difficult or even impossible.
The main symptom of GAD is an exaggerated or unfounded state of worry
and anxiety, often about such matters as health, money, family, or
work. Although people with GAD may realize that their anxiety is excessive
or unwarranted, they are unable to simply “snap out of it.”
For them, the mere thought of getting through the day can provoke
anxiety.
The persistent worrying characteristic of GAD is hard to control
and interferes with daily life. Many GAD sufferers seem unable to
relax and may startle easily. In addition, GAD is often accompanied
by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, muscle tension,
and gastrointestinal problems.
GAD Develops Over Time
GAD does not appear suddenly; it develops over time. To be
diagnosed with GAD, a person must experience the following1:
- Excessive anxiety and worry about several events or activities
for more than half the days in at least 6 months
- Trouble controlling these feelings
- The presence of 3 or more of the following symptoms, some
of which are present for over half the days in the past 6 months*:
— Feeling restless, edgy, keyed up
— Tiring easily
— Trouble concentrating
— Irritability
— Increased muscle tension
— Trouble sleeping (initial insomnia or restless, unsatisfying
sleep)
- The anxiety and worry aren't suggestive of another mood disorder
- The symptoms cause severe distress or impair a person's ability
to function at work, socially, or in some other way
It's important to know that there are many different illnesses
that can lead to symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor or other healthcare
professional must rule out other possible causes (including other
medicines or illegal drugs) before diagnosing you with GAD.
Anxiety is Not the Same for Everyone
Symptoms of GAD vary from person to person, and you don't need to
have all the above symptoms in order to have GAD. That's why GAD can
be difficult to diagnose. Some patients with GAD first decide to go
to see their doctor because of stress-related complaints such as headaches
or problems sleeping.
Be sure to seek the assistance of a healthcare professional so he
or she can determine if you have symptoms of an anxiety disorder.
If you think you may be experiencing anxiety symptoms, take
the simple GAD Self-Test and then discuss the results with
your healthcare professional.
Did you know that the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
and depression can overlap? Or that a person can experience both conditions
at the same time? Learn more about the overlap of GAD
and depression.
Reference: 1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed, Text Revision.
Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pulishing, Inc; 2000.
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