Generalized anxiety disorder

GAD is a generalized anxiety disorder in which a person has difficulty controlling their state of worry. People with this mental illness live in anticipation of a constant catastrophe, they constantly worry about different things - children, work, finances, health, school, family, etc.

Anyone can sometimes feel anxious, and it may not be unfounded. But if a person has an anxiety disorder such as GAD, they are in this state all the time. Every day of such a person's life is filled with fears, anxiety, and a state of dread. As a result, anxiety can become so much a part of the person's thinking that it will be very difficult for them to do ordinary things at home, at work, in society, etc. However, this type of disorder can be treated.

How often do you meet people with GAD?

Almost four million U.S. adults, or about 2% of the population, are affected by generalized anxiety disorder during the year. Most often, signs of anxiety disorder begin to appear in childhood and adolescence. In some cases, GAD develops in adults and is more common in women than in men.

Symptoms of GAD

Since generalized anxiety disorder greatly affects the way you think, it can cause physical symptoms. Psychiatrists use a standard set of criteria to diagnose this type of disorder. These symptoms have nothing to do with medical problems or other conditions and must be present for at least six months.

Anxiety disorder symptoms have the following characteristics:

• feeling of constant anxiety and tension
• Induced attention to problems
• Taking a long time to think about different plans and making decisions for a long time
• Always assuming the worst outcome of events;
• To view all situations as threatening, even if they are not;
• Constant feelings of anxiety or feeling on edge;
• Difficulty coping with uncertainty
• Fear of making the wrong choice or decision
• Loss of concentration
• Feeling tired all the time and tired quickly
• A high degree of irritability and moodiness
• feeling of devastation.

Physical symptoms of GTR:

• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night
• Tension in the muscular system and muscle soreness;
• A constant feeling of fatigue
• limb tremors or twitching
• migraines
• fever
• dizziness
• difficulty or rapid breathing
• shakiness
• Frequent urination
• Feeling of a lump in the throat
• Inability to fully relax;
• Nausea, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome
• Sweating.

People with GAD often have other types of anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks, phobias, DCD, depression, or problems related to drug or alcohol use. 

If you want to learn more about other conditions, such as for exmple anthropophobia, check out our article here.

Treatments for GAD

If the doctor does not find any other medical pathologies, the person is referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist who can diagnose and treat various mental conditions, including GAD. Treatment methods most often consist of a combination of medications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Also, a person's daily habits are of great importance.

Prospects for CBT

Many people with anxiety disorder experience great relief with proper treatment. Symptoms may appear and then disappear. That's why you should follow all of your doctor's recommendations and prescriptions, including therapy, home treatment, and medications. If symptoms of an anxiety disorder worsen, you should seek help from your doctor and your support team. Mental health awareness is essential—find more helpful resources on our website.

Frequently asked questions about GAD

Can I live a normal life with GAD?

Yes, you can if you control your symptoms, follow all of your doctor's recommendations, and receive quality treatment.

How does GTR manifest itself?

With GAD, a person experiences severe anxiety about various things (health, work, family relationships, school, etc.). This anxiety is stronger than usual.

Is GAD a serious mental illness?

Yes. This type of anxiety disorder is a serious mental illness.