Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can vary and may include:

• Feeling persistently worried or anxious about multiple aspects of life, even if their impact is disproportionate
• Engaging in excessive overthinking and ruminating on worst-case scenarios
• Perceiving situations as threatening, even when they are not objectively dangerous
• Difficulty coping with uncertainty
• Indecisiveness and a fear of making the wrong choices
• Being unable to let go of worries
• Feeling restless, keyed up, or on edge
• Trouble concentrating or experiencing mental blankness

Physical signs and symptoms may include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Muscle tension or aches
• Trembling or feeling twitchy
• Easy startle response or nervousness
• Excessive sweating
• Stomach issues like nausea, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome
• Irritability

At times, the worries may not entirely consume an individual, but they might still experience anxiety without a clear reason. For instance, they might constantly worry about their safety or that of their loved ones or have a pervasive sense that something terrible is about to happen.

Generalized anxiety disorder can significantly distress individuals, impacting their social life, work, and overall well-being. The nature of worries may change over time and vary with age.

Symptoms in Children and Teenagers

Children and teenagers with generalized anxiety disorder may exhibit similar worries to adults, but they may also excessively worry about:

• Academic performance or sporting events
• Family members’ safety
• Punctuality
• Natural disasters or catastrophic events

A child or teen struggling with excessive worry might:

• Feel overly anxious to fit in
• Display perfectionist tendencies
• Redo tasks repeatedly due to a fear of imperfection
• Invest excessive time in homework
• Lack self-confidence
• Seek constant approval
• Require reassurance about their performance
• Complain of frequent physical symptoms like stomachaches
• Avoid school or social situations

When to Seek Medical Attention

While some level of anxiety is typical, it’s essential to consult a doctor if:

• You find yourself excessively worrying, and it interferes with your work, relationships, or daily life
• You experience depression or irritability, substance abuse issues, or other mental health concerns alongside anxiety
• You have suicidal thoughts or engage in self-harming behaviors – in such cases, seek emergency treatment immediately

Ignoring the symptoms won’t make them disappear and may exacerbate the condition over time. Seeking professional help early on can lead to more effective treatment and improved outcomes.

Possible Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

As with many mental health conditions, generalized anxiety disorder likely arises from a combination of biological and environmental factors, including:

• Differences in brain chemistry and function
• Genetics
• Perception of threats in a different manner
• Developmental and personality factors

Risk Factors

While generalized anxiety disorder can affect anyone, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition:

• Personality traits: Individuals with a timid, negative temperament or those who avoid risks may be more prone to developing generalized anxiety disorder.
• Genetics: Family history of generalized anxiety disorder may elevate the risk of developing the condition.
• Life experiences: Significant life changes, traumatic experiences during childhood, recent negative events, chronic medical illnesses, or other mental health disorders may increase the risk of generalized anxiety disorder.