Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Someone who suffers from persistent anxiety that is not limited to any specific situation or object is said to suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which is characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry, and tension, even when not provoked. People with GAD can’t seem to shake their concerns. Their worries are frequently accompanied by physical symptoms, which can include fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, and hot flashes. Many people also suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and may experience sexual problems. Another byproduct of GAD, as with many anxiety disorders, is a tendency to turn to alcohol or sedatives to relieve one’s anxiety.

Because they feel so uneasy, many people with GAD avoid situations that are even slightly stressful, which can lead to full-blown phobias.

A major portion of the behavioral treatment of GAD focuses on learning to control constant worrying and self-doubt. Relaxation training, including deep breathing, and skills for coping with the physical symptoms of anxiety also are an important part of treatment. Exposure therapy may also be helpful if avoidance behavior is present.