Generalised Anxiety Disorder

This article is from the "The South African Depression and Anxiety Group" website:
http://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1836&Itemid=167

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is much more than the normal anxiety people experience day to day. ICs chronic and exaggerated worry and tension, even though nothing seems to provoke it. Having this disorder means always anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family, or work. Even though sometimes the source of the worry is hard to pinpoint. Simply the thought of getting through the day provokes anxiety.

  

People with GAD can't seem to shake their concerns, even though they usually realise that their anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants. People with GAD also seem unable to relax. They often have trouble falling or staying asleep. Their worries are accompanied by physical symptoms, especially trembling, twitching, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, sweating, or hot flashes. They may feel light-hearted or out of breath. They may feel nauseated or have to go to the bathroom frequently. Or they might feel as though they have a lump in the throat.

 

Many individuals with GAD startle more easily than other people. They tend to feet tired, have trouble concentrating, and sometimes suffer depression, too.

Usually the impairment associated with GAD is mild and people with the disorder don’t feel too restricted in social settings or on the job. Unlike many other anxiety disorders, people with GAD don't characteristically avoid certain situations as a result of their disorder. However, if severe, GAD can be very debilitating, making it difficult to carry out even the most ordinary daily activities.

GAD comes on gradually and most often hits people in childhood or adolescence, but can begin in adulthood, too. It's more common in women than in men and often occurs in relatives of affected persons. It’s diagnosed when someone spends at least 6 months worrying excessively about a number of everyday problems.

Having GAD means always anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family, or work. Worries are often accompanied by physical, symptoms like trembling, muscle tension and nausea.

In general, the symptoms of GAD seem to diminish with age. Successful treatment may include the use of anti-depressants and benzodiazepines. Also useful are cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback to control muscle tension.