Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Overview
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety disorder characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as health, family, work, and financial issues. This worry often seems disproportionate to the situation at hand, and individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their worry. They may worry excessively about everyday matters and may anticipate disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family, or work.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The primary symptom of GAD is chronic worrying. However, GAD may also involve physical symptoms, such as restlessness, feeling on edge, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. To be diagnosed with GAD, a person must meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. The criteria include excessive anxiety and worry about several events or activities most days of the week for at least six months, difficulty controlling the worry, and anxiety that causes significant distress or interferes with daily life.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of GAD is not fully understood, but it's likely that a combination of several factors plays a role. These may include genetic factors, brain chemistry, personality, and life experiences. Certain risk factors may also increase the likelihood of developing GAD, such as a family history of anxiety disorders, a history of physical or emotional trauma, chronic medical illnesses, and substance abuse.
Treatment
Treatment for GAD typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or both. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can be effective for GAD. CBT teaches individuals to recognize and change thought patterns that lead to anxious feelings. Medications such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or buspirone may also be used to manage symptoms of GAD.
Living with GAD
Living with GAD can be challenging, but strategies and resources are available to help manage anxiety. These may include stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity and a balanced diet, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms.