Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things, which is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering GAD typically catastrophise, anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, family problems, friend problems or work difficulties.Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things. People with the disorder, which is also referred to as GAD, feel that worrying is beyond their control and they are powerless to stop it. They often expect the worst, even when there is no apparent reason for concern. This anxiety or worry occurs on more days than not for at least six months. Exaggerated and unrelenting worry often centers around issues of health, family, money, or work, and it can interfere with all aspects of a person’s life.
Some anxiety is normal. Chronic, exaggerated worry is not. Everyone experiences some anxiety even on a daily basis. People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experience constant anxiety which often has no apparent cause. Learn more about GAD and what you can do about it. From your About Guide.
Causes
It is not yet known what causes GAD. Because Generalized Anxiety Disorder tends to run in families, it is possible that there is a genetic component, but it could also be that it is a learned response within a family. Modern brain scan technology may eventually help determine if there is a particular area of the brain that is the site of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Symptoms
Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance). The person finds it difficult to control the worry. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms present for more days than not for the past 6 months; children don’t need to meet as many criteria).
GAD sufferers may often feel light-headed or out of breath. They may also feel nauseated or have to go to the bathroom frequently. Generalized anxiety is constant and can cause anxiety / panic attacks during the day and night. Night time anxiety and panic attacks are especially disturbing and can often wake the sufferer from deep sleep feeling particularly frightened. Night time anxiety can be minimized with some practical steps which minimize the impact of such things as blood sugar level fluctuations during sleep.
Treatment
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a key component of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Medication can also be used for generalized anxiety disorder treatment, either on its own or in combination with psychotherapy.
Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy focuses on using specific relaxation techniques to change anxiety-causing behaviors. For example, one technique trains patients in a special breathing exercise involving slow, deep breaths to reduce anxiety. This is necessary because people who are anxious often hyperventilate, taking rapid, shallow breaths that can trigger rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, and other symptoms. Another technique—exposure therapy—gradually exposes patients to what frightens them and helps them cope with their fears.
