Could you have generalized anxiety disorder? 

There’s not a person who at some time in their life who hasn’t experienced anxiety.  Feelings of worry or being afraid can be normal and expected in certain circumstances.  But when these anxious feelings become overly excessive, exaggerated, or characterized as persistent worry over a number of things, then it may have crossed over into being a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder or GAD.  GAD is the most common anxiety disorder affecting around 6.8 million adults or 3.1 percent of the U.S. population. 

The disorder of GAD can come on gradually with the risk being the highest between childhood and middle age. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with GAD.  There is no known exact cause but evidence points to biological factors, family background, and stressful life experiences.  Triggers for GAD can be sudden changes such as a major health issue or the death of a spouse or friend making a person feel vulnerable about being alone.

GAD symptoms

Diagnosing of GAD usually stems on the frequency and degree of the symptoms.  If a person is finding it difficult to control anxiety feelings several days a week for at least six months and has three or more symptoms, they most likely have GAD. 

The symptoms of GAD include the following:

·      Feeling anxious, fearful, or worried about multiple unrelated events or activities every day for at least six months

·      Constantly anticipating disaster to happen

·      Overly concerned over money, health, family, work, or other issues even when there is no apparent reason for concern

·      Muscle tension

·      Irritability

·      Restlessness or a feeling of being “edgy”

·      Being easily startled 

For some people with GAD, just the thought of getting through the day can produce anxiety.  They have great difficulty being able to stop the worry cycle feeling out of control.  Some individuals have the mantra “think the worst and the worst won’t happen,” believing worry can prevent bad things from occurring.  This can be the reason why only about 43 percent of GAD sufferers get treatment. 

GAD can also result in physical symptoms such as stomachaches or headaches.

Seeking help for GAD 

To help GAD sufferers to lead a healthier lifestyle, the first step in dealing with the disorder is to admit they have it.  Many people understand what’s causing their fear and worry but don’t want to face it.  Other times, the source may not be so clear. 

 Anyone having symptoms of GAD suspecting their anxiety and worrying is excessive should consult with their physician.  They can determine if it might be related to another health issue and if not, refer them to a psychologist or therapist for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Some of the ways to treat GAD can include:

·      Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT uses a therapist to help uncover past experiences that could be the source of anxiety

·      Medications

·      Exercise

·      Mindfulness meditation

·      Art therapy

·      Expressive writing in which a person writes down their fears and worries

·      Practice stress management techniques such as yoga

Individuals with GAD should never feel pressure to “tough it out.”  GAD does not necessarily go away on its own.  If it is not treated, it can worsen leading to more complicated problems reducing a person’s quality of life.  It can be common for many people with GAD to avoid situations due to their worry such as social situations, travel, promotions, etc.  If the anxiety becomes too severe, it can even cause great difficulty in them carrying out simple daily life activities. 

Although GAD may not be able to be cured as symptoms can return from time to time, most people gain substantial relief from their symptoms with proper treatment.