Anxiety disorder, generalized

Anxiety disorderGeneralized anxiety

By:

Project Semicolon

Reviewed:

6 months ago

Our articles are medically reviewed and medically fact-checked by board-certified specialists to ensure that all factual statements about medical conditions, symptoms, treatments, procedures and tests, standards of care, and typical protocols are accurate and reflect current guidelines and the latest research.

Overview

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worrying and anxiety that interferes with daily activities. It can occur in children and adults and may coexist with other anxiety or mood disorders.

Symptoms

Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms may include:

Persistent worrying about various areas, disproportionate to the impact of events
Overthinking worst-case scenarios
Perceiving situations as threatening even when they aren't
Difficulty handling uncertainty
Indecisiveness and fear of making wrong decisions
Inability to set aside worries
Restlessness, feeling keyed up, or on edge
Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally blank

Physical signs and symptoms may include fatigue, trouble sleeping, muscle tension, trembling, sweating, and gastrointestinal issues.

Children and teenagers with GAD may exhibit similar symptoms and excessive worries about school performance, safety, punctuality, and catastrophic events. They may also show perfectionism, lack of confidence, and avoidance of social situations.

When to See a Doctor

If you feel excessive worrying is interfering with your life or if you experience other mental health concerns along with anxiety, consider seeking professional help. If you have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Causes

The exact cause of GAD is likely a combination of biological and environmental factors, including brain chemistry, genetics, perception of threats, and development/personality.

Risk Factors

Women are diagnosed with GAD more frequently than men. Risk factors include temperament, genetics, significant life changes, childhood trauma, recent negative experiences, and other mental health disorders or chronic medical illnesses.

Complications

GAD can impair daily functioning, lead to depression, and worsen physical health conditions like digestive issues, headaches, chronic pain, and sleep problems. It often coexists with other mental health disorders like phobias, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, and substance abuse.

Prevention

While there's no guaranteed prevention, early help-seeking, journaling, time management, avoiding unhealthy substance use, and getting professional support can reduce the impact of anxiety symptoms.

Medically Reviewed
Brian Richards, MD

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