What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Everyone feels anxiety from time to time, like when they have to meet a deadline or deliver a presentation. But for people with GAD, a constant and exaggerated sense of worry interferes with their daily life. People with GAD ten to expect the worst when dealing with issues related to money, health, family, or work, even when there is no sign of trouble.

What are the symptoms of GAD?

People with GAD may experience a few symptoms or may feel overwhelmed by many symptoms. The key signs of GAD are anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and have lasted for at least for at least 6 months. In addition to excessive anxiety and worry, people with GAD have at least 3 of the following symptoms:

• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
• Irritability
• Muscle Tension
• Difficulty Sleeping

Some additional signs associated with GAD include:

• Symptoms associated with muscle tension, such as trembling, twisting, feeling shaky, and muscle aches and soreness.
• Physical symptoms such as clammy hands, dry mouth, sweating, nausea or diarrhea, an increased need to urinate, trouble swallowing, and a exaggerated response to being surprised.

People with GAD often have symptoms of depression as well. In, 2 national studies found that between 58% and 70% of people who suffer from GAD in their lifetime have also suffered from depression at some point.

What causes GAD?

The exact cause of GAD is not fully known – some contributing factors may be:

• Genetics – Some research suggest that family history plays a part in increasing the likelihood that a person will develop GAD.
• Brain Chemistry – GAD has been associated with abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters (special chemical messengers that help move information from nerves cell to nerve cell) in the brain. Studies suggest that a blockage may exist therefore, some brain reactions are inappropriate for the situation, resulting in anxiety.
• Environmental – Trauma and stressful events, such as abuse, the death of a loved one, divorce, changing jobs or schools, may lead to GAD. GAD may also be worse in periods of stress.

Take action if you believe you suffer from GAD

If you’re experiencing symptoms on a regular basis, or have been diagnosed with GAD, treatments are available that can help you get back to your life again. Talk with your doctor about treatment options.

Important Safety Information

• All individuals taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy, or when their dose is increased or decreased. These individuals should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritated, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately.