Anxiety / Panic Attacks

If you tend to worry a lot, even when there’s no reason, you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It may be something you are so used to, you may think it’s just “how you are.” Common worries include your health, money, family, or work. While everyone worries about these things once in awhile, if you always expect the worst, it can get in the way of living a normal life.

If you have GAD, you may also have another mental health condition such as depression.

What Causes GAD?

GAD can develop when you can’t cope well with your internal stress. It also runs in families, but it’s not understood why some people get it and others don’t. Researchers have shown that the areas of the brain that control fear and anxiety are involved.

The symptoms of GAD can happen as a side effect of a medicine or substance abuse. It can also be related to medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, that increase hormones. This can make the body response more excitable. GAD can be triggered by family or environmental stress. Chronic illness and disease can also trigger GAD.

What Are the Symptoms of GAD?

If you have GAD, you likely know that your anxiety is more intense than the situation calls for, but still, you can’t stop these unfounded concerns.

The most common symptoms include:

• Trouble falling or staying asleep

• Trembling

• Twitching

• Tense muscles

• Headaches

• Irritability

• Sweating

• Hot flashes

• Lightheadedness

• Trouble breathing

• Nausea

• Urinating often

• Lump in the throat

• Fatigue

• Poor concentration

• Being easily startled

• Unable to relax

Each person may experience symptoms differently and the symptoms of GAD may look like other mental health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

GAD begins gradually, usually in childhood or adolescence, but can begin in adulthood, too. It is more common in women. It often runs in families.

How Is GAD Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider or mental health professional diagnoses GAD. They can help determine whether your symptoms are related to another problem. The symptoms happen on most days and last 6 months or longer.

How Is GAD Treated?

Your healthcare provider will consider your overall health, and other factors when advising treatment for you.

Treatment may include:

• Medicine

• Counseling (cognitive behavioral therapy, or psychotherapy)

• Relaxation techniques

• Working with a therapist to boost coping skills

• Making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and avoid stimulating substances. Also, seek help with quitting smoking, drug or alcohol use.