Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What is generalized anxiety disorder?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition in which a person worries excessively and unrealistically. They may also be jittery, restless, or dizzy. When these symptoms last for at least 6 months, a diagnosis of GAD may be made.

GAD may exist by itself, or with both anxiety and depression. It is estimated that almost 5% of people have had this disorder during their lives.

What is the cause?

The cause of GAD is unknown. Genetic and environmental factors play a role. Women have GAD about twice as often as men.

The worry in GAD is not about panic attacks or being afraid in public places. It is typically "free-floating" anxiety out of proportion to any real life situation. The worrying can interfere with normal day-to-day activities and work or school.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include excessive, unrealistic, and uncontrollable worrying about many things such as:

• the state of the world
• the economy
• violence in society
• your job
• the bills
• chores
• family members

Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, sleep problems, or feeling on edge usually go along with anxiety. A person may be short-tempered and unable to focus or concentrate because of the worrying. Other symptoms include sweating, shaking, having a very fast heartbeat, feeling out of breath, needing to go to the bathroom often and feeling like fainting. People with GAD may be uneasy in a group or in a waiting room.

How is it diagnosed?

There is no lab test for GAD. Your healthcare provider or therapist will ask about your symptoms. He or she will make sure you do not have a medical illness or drug or alcohol problem that could cause the symptoms. Some medicines can cause anxiety or make it worse. These include asthma medicines, stimulants, and steroids such as prednisone.

If you have had the symptoms for at least 6 months, if you have had to cut back on your activities, and if you find it difficult to get things done, you may be diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.

How is it treated?

Different types of approaches have proven helpful in treating GAD. These include medicine, behavior therapy, relaxation therapy, cognitive therapy, and stress management techniques. Which treatments your healthcare provider or therapist uses may depend upon how much the disorder interferes with your day-to-day life.

Several types of medicines can help treat GAD. Your healthcare provider will work with you to carefully select the best one for you.

How long will the effects last?

GAD can last many years and sometimes an entire lifetime.

How can I take care of myself?

• Get support. Talk with family and friends. Consider joining a support group in your area. Go to a stress management class in your local community.
• Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax, for example take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, take walks. Try deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
• Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. If you smoke, quit. Avoid alcohol and drugs, because they can make your symptoms worse. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Check your medicines. To help prevent problems, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and other supplements that you take.
• Contact your healthcare provider or therapist if you have any questions or your symptoms seem to be getting worse.

You may also want to contact Mental Health America at 1-800-969-NMHA. The Web site address is http://www.NMHA.org.