Generalized anxiety disorder

What is generalized anxiety disorder?

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people may worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But people with GAD feel extremely worried or nervous more frequently about these and other things—even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. GAD usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread that interferes with how you live your life. It is not the same as occasionally worrying about things or experiencing anxiety due to stressful life events. People living with GAD experience frequent anxiety for months, if not years.

What are the signs and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?

People with GAD may:

• Worry excessively about everyday things
• Have trouble controlling their worries or feelings of nervousness
• Know that they worry much more than they should
• Feel restless and have trouble relaxing
• Have a hard time concentrating
• Startle easily
• Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Tire easily or feel tired all the time
• Have headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains
• Have a hard time swallowing
• Tremble or twitch
• Feel irritable or “on edge”
• Sweat a lot, feel lightheaded, or feel out of breath
• Have to go to the bathroom frequently

Children and teens with GAD often worry excessively about:

• „Their performance in activities such as school or sports
• „Catastrophes, such as earthquakes or war
• „The health of others, such as family members

Adults with GAD are often highly nervous about everyday circumstances, such as:

• „Job security or performance
• „Health
• „Finances
• „The health and well-being of their children or other family members
• „Being late
• „Completing household chores and other responsibilities

Both children and adults with GAD may experience physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath that make it hard to function and that interfere with daily life.

What causes generalized anxiety disorder?

Risk for GAD can run in families. Several parts of the brain and biological processes play a key role in fear and anxiety. By learning more about how the brain and body function in people with anxiety disorders, researchers may be able to develop better treatments.

How is generalized anxiety disorder treated?

If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of GAD, talk to a health care provider. A health care provider may refer you to a mental health professional.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a research-supported type of psychotherapy, is commonly used to treat GAD. CBT teaches you different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations that help you feel less anxious and worried. CBT has been well studied and is the gold standard for psychotherapy.

Medication

Health care providers may prescribe medication to treat GAD. Different types of medication can be effective. Speak with your health care provider.

Healthy Habits

Practicing a healthy lifestyle also can help combat anxiety, although this alone cannot replace treatment. Researchers have found that implementing certain healthy choices in daily life—such as reducing caffeine intake and getting enough sleep—can reduce anxiety symptoms when paired with standard care—such as psychotherapy and medication. Stress management techniques, such as exercise, mindfulness, and meditation, also can reduce anxiety symptoms and enhance the effects of psychotherapy. You can learn more about how these techniques benefit your treatment by talking with a health care provider.