Generalized anxiety disorder
Alternative Names
GAD; Anxiety disorder
Definition
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition in which a person is often worried or anxious about many things and finds it hard to control this anxiety.
Causes
The cause of GAD is unknown. Genes may play a role. Stress may also contribute to the development of GAD.
GAD is a common condition, affecting about 3% of people. Anyone can develop this disorder, even children. GAD occurs more often in women than in men.
Symptoms
The main symptom is frequent worry or tension for at least six months, even when there is little or no clear cause. Worries seem to float from one problem to another. Problems may involve family, other relationships, work, school, money, and health.
Even when aware that worries or fears are stronger than appropriate for the situation, a person with GAD still has difficulty controlling them.
Other symptoms of GAD include:
- Problems concentrating
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Problems falling or staying asleep, or sleep that is restless and unsatisfying
- Restlessness when awake
Other physical symptoms may also be present. These can include muscle tension, upset stomach, sweating, or difficulty breathing.
Exams and Tests
There is no test that can make a diagnosis of GAD. The diagnosis is based on your answers to questions about the symptoms of GAD. Your health care provider will ask about these symptoms, and will likely ask you about other aspects of your mental and physical health. A physical exam or laboratory tests may be done to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to help you feel better and function well in daily life. In less severe cases, talk therapy or medication alone can be helpful. In more severe cases, a combination of these may work best.
Talk Therapy
Many types of talk therapy may be helpful for GAD. One common and effective talk therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help you understand the relationship between your thoughts, your behaviors, and your symptoms. Often CBT involves a set number of visits. During CBT you can learn how to:
- Understand and gain control of distorted views of stressors, such as other people's behavior or life events.
- Recognize and replace panic-causing thoughts to help you feel more in control.
- Manage stress and relax when symptoms occur.
- Avoid thinking that minor problems will develop into terrible ones.
Medicines
Medicines can also be an important part of treatment. Once you start them, do not stop taking them without talking with your health care provider. Commonly prescribed medicines for GAD include antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Self-care
Other than taking medicine and going to therapy, you can help yourself get better by:
- Reducing caffeine
- Not using street drugs
- Exercising, getting enough rest, and eating healthy foods
Support Groups
You can ease the stress of having GAD by joining a support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.
Support groups are usually not a good substitute for talk therapy or medication, but can be a helpful addition.
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a person does depends on how severe the condition is. In some cases, GAD is long-term and is difficult to treat. Most patients, though, get better with medicine and/or talk therapy.
Possible Complications
Depression and substance abuse may occur with an anxiety disorder.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you frequently worry or feel anxious, especially if it interferes with your daily activities.
References
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, Va:
American Psychiatric Publishing. 2013.
Hoyer J. Psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder: don't worry, it works! Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2009;32:629-640.
Pollack MH, Kinrys G, Delong H, Vasconcelos e Sá D, Simon NM. The pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, et al., eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Mosby; 2008:chap 41.
Taylor CT, Pollack MH, LeBeau RT, Simon NM. Anxiety disorders: panic, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, et al., eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Mosby; 2008:chap 32.