Which of the following are symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?
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Generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD) is marked by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events for no obvious reason. People with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder tend to always expect disaster and can't stop worrying about health, money, family, work, or school. Show
Everyone feels anxiety now and then -- and there can be good reasons why. But in people with GAD, the worry is often unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. Eventually, anxiety can even dominate a person's thinking so much that they find it hard to do routine things at work or school, socially, and in their relationships. But there are treatments to ease anxiety so it’s not running your life. How Common Is GAD?Nearly 4 million adult Americans, or about 2%, have GAD during the course of a year. It most often begins in childhood or adolescence but can begin in adulthood. It is more common in women than in men. What Are the Symptoms of GAD?GAD affects the way a person thinks, and it can lead to physical symptoms. Mental health professionals use a standard set of criteria to diagnose GAD. Those symptoms can’t be caused by a medical problem or other condition and last at least 6 months. Those criteria include:
People with generalized anxiety disorder often also have other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, clinical depression, or problems with drug or alcohol misuse. Experts don’t know the exact causes of generalized anxiety disorder. Several things -- including genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental stresses -- appear to contribute to its development. If you have symptoms of GAD, your doctor will begin an evaluation by asking questions about your medical and psychiatric history. You may also get a physical exam. Lab tests don’t diagnose anxiety disorders, but some can help doctors check for any physical illness that might be causing the symptoms. The doctor bases their diagnosis of GAD on reports of how intense and long-lasting the symptoms are, including any problems with daily life caused by the symptoms. The doctor then determines whether the person has a specific anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. For someone to be diagnosed with GAD, symptoms must interfere with daily living and be present for more days than not for at least 6 months. If no other medical condition is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist. These are mental health professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions including GAD. Treatment for GAD most often includes a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. And your daily habits can make a difference.
What Are the Side Effects of GAD Treatment?It’s possible to become dependent upon sedative-hypnotic medications (benzodiazepines) if those medications are used on an ongoing basis. Side effects of antidepressants that treat GAD vary by specific drug and the person taking them. Common side effects can include sleepiness, weight gain, nausea, and sexual problems. There are no negative side effects from therapy or healthy lifestyle measures. Whether those are enough to handle an anxiety disorder, or if medications are also needed, is a decision to make with your health care provider. Most people gain substantial relief from their symptoms with proper treatment. Symptoms can come and go, such as during stressful times. So it’s important to stick to your treatment plan, which may include therapy, lifestyle habits, and medication. If anxiety symptoms flare up, reach out to your support team, including your doctor or therapist. Anxiety disorders like GAD can’t always be prevented. But there are some things that you can do to control or lessen symptoms, including: |
