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Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

We all worry. Relationships, deadlines, being on time to an appointment – you name it, there’s plenty in life to worry about. But those with GAD experience persistent, excessive and unrealistic worry that goes on every day, possibly all day. They feel it’s beyond their control and can’t be turned “off.”

People with GAD often expect the worst, even when there is no good reason for any concern. The excessive worrying is often about health, family, money or work. The worrying is hard to control, and occurs on more days than not for at least six months. The exaggerated, unrelenting worrying interferes with every day living. Physical symptoms include restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, fatigue and difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

What’s the difference between normal anxiety and GAD?

Normal Anxiety	GAD
Worry about a specific event, such as a work deadline, school exam or upcoming doctor’s appointment	Constant, chronic and unsubstantiated worry causing significant stress, disrupting social activities and interfering with work, school and/or family
Difficulty relaxing, sleeping or concentrating when faced with a serious problem, such as an problem, such as an of a loved one	Edginess, irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating more days than not for no apparent reason
Muscle aches, tension, tiredness related to an activity or situation, such as overexertion at the gym, a stressful day at work or sitting too long at the computer	Restlessness, muscle aches and pain and fatigue not related to a specific physical or emotional problem persisting for six months or more

About Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a normal part of living. It’s the body’s way of telling us something isn’t right. It keeps us from harm’s way and prepares us to act quickly in the face of danger. However, for some people, anxiety is persistent, irrational and overwhelming. It may get in the way of day-to-day activities and even make them impossible. This may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

The term "anxiety disorders" describes a group of conditions including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) and specific phobias. For information on all of the anxiety disorders visit www.adaa.org.

What treatments are available?

Fortunately, most individuals who seek treatment for GAD and other anxiety disorders see significant improvement and enjoy a better quality of life. A variety of treatment options exist including cognitive- behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, anxiety management and medications. One, or a combination of these, may be recommended. Details about these treatments are available on the ADAA website at www.adaa.org

It is important to remember that there is no single “right” treatment. What works for one person may or may not be the best choice for someone else. A course of treatment should be tailored to your individual needs. Ask your doctor to explain why a particular type of treatment is being recommended, what other options are available and what you need to do to fully participate in your recovery.

How can GAD affect your life?

Generalized anxiety disorder can affect all areas of life, including social, work/school and family. According to a national survey conducted by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), seven out of 10 people with GAD agreed that their chronic anxiety had an impact on their relations with spouses/significant others and two thirds reported that GAD had a negative effect on their friendships.

What causes GAD?

The exact cause of GAD is not known. Scientists believe that biological factors, family background and life experiences are all involved. And of course, we cannot forget about stress. Even the stress of positive events, such as buying a new house or getting married, can trigger symptoms in individuals predisposed to GAD.

How can ADAA help you?

Suffering from GAD or any anxiety disorder can interfere with many aspects of your life. ADAA can give you the resources that will help you and your loved ones better understand your condition, connect you with a community of people who know what you are experiencing and assist you in finding mental health professionals in your city who can help. Visit the ADAA website at www.adaa.org to locate doctors and therapists who treat GAD and other anxiety disorders in your area, as well as local support groups. Learn about the causes, symptoms and best treatments for all of the anxiety disorders, review questions to ask a therapist or doctor and find helpful books, tapes and other materials to help family and loved ones. ADAA is here to help you make the best decisions so that you can get on with your life.

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