Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
If you tend to worry a lot, even when there’s no reason, you may have generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD means that you are worrying constantly and can’t control
it. Healthcare providers diagnose GAD when your worrying happens on most days and
for at least 6 months. GAD is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S.
Worrying may be something you are so used to. You may think it’s just how you are.
Common worries include your health, money, family, or work. Everyone worries about
these things once in a while. But if you always expect the worst, it can get in the
way of living a normal life.
GAD begins slowly, often in childhood or the teen years. But it can begin in adulthood,
too. It's more common in women and often runs in families.
If you have GAD, you may also have another mental health condition such as depression.
What causes GAD?
GAD can develop when you can’t cope well with your internal stress. But it’s not clear
why some people get it and others don’t. Experts have shown that the areas of the
brain that control fear and anxiety are affected.
Sometimes the symptoms of GAD can happen as a side effect of a medicine or of substance
abuse. It can also be linked to health conditions (such as hyperthyroidism) that increase
hormones. This can make the body response more excitable. GAD can be triggered by
family or environmental stress. Long-term (chronic) illness and disease can also trigger
GAD.
What are the symptoms of GAD?
If you have GAD, you likely know that your anxiety is more intense than the situation
calls for. But still you can’t stop these unfounded concerns. Each person's symptoms
may be a bit different. But these are the most common symptoms:
The symptoms of GAD may seem like other mental health conditions. Always see your healthcare
provider for a diagnosis.
How is GAD diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider or mental health provider diagnoses GAD. They can help figure
out if your symptoms are linked to another problem. The symptoms happen on most days
and last 6 months or longer.
How is GAD treated?
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend
on how severe the condition is.
Treatment may include:
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Medicine
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Counseling (cognitive behavioral therapy, or psychotherapy)
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Relaxation methods
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Working with a therapist to boost coping skills
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Making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and stay away from stimulating substances.
This can often include exercise. Also seek help with quitting smoking, or drug or
alcohol use.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
If you have any symptoms of GAD, see your healthcare provider.
Key points about GAD
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Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition where you worry constantly about
everyday issues and situations.
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Healthcare providers diagnose GAD when your worrying happens on most days and for
at least 6 months.
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You may also feel restlessness, extreme tiredness (fatigue), trouble focusing, grouchiness,
increased muscle tension, and trouble sleeping.
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Treatment may include medicine, counseling, relaxation methods, exercise, and lifestyle
changes.
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If you have GAD, you may also have another mental health condition such as depression.
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Seeking professional care and treatment can decrease GAD symptoms and improve the
quality of your life.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
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Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
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Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
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Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells
you.
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At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
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Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also
know what the side effects are.
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Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
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Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
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Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
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If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that
visit.
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Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.