General Anxiety Disorder

Mary’s friends often called her a worry wart. If her husband was late for dinner, she was ready to call the police, sure he must have been in an accident. She couldn’t relax and enjoy a walk in the country since she was constantly watching for possible hazards and was sure something bad was just around the corner. Her children were growing into healthy young adults, but she couldn’t keep from telling them to be careful. Being late for an appointment usually left her in tears. No matter how well things were going, the glass was always half empty. Although she didn’t know it, Mary had a general anxiety disorder.

There are a number of different kinds of anxiety disorders. In a generalized anxiety disorder, a person experiences excessive and uncontrollable worry. In reality, there is nothing to be concerned about, but for the person with GAD, everyday life experiences cause unrealistic worry. They worry about their jobs, their recreational activities, and their friends. They even worry about being on time. This excessive worry makes them feel very self-conscious and tense, often causing stomach problems.

More than just normal anxiety, general anxiety disorder is chronic and exaggerated worry and tension. Often nothing has happened to trigger the concern. They are always anticipating disaster, and often worry excessively about health, money, family or work.

Those who suffer with a general anxiety disorder have trouble shaking their fearful thoughts, even when they realize their reaction is too intense. Often they are unable to relax and have trouble falling or staying asleep. This worry is accompanied by physical symptoms, such as trembling, twitching, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, sweating, and hot flashes. Some people feel light-headed, out of breath, nauseated, and as though they have a lump in their throats.

People with a generalized anxiety disorder startle more easily than other people do. They tend to feel tired, have trouble concentrating, and sometimes suffer from depression. Although more common in women than men, the disorder starts gradually, usually in childhood, but it can begin at any time. There are a number of possible factors, including genetics, brain chemistry and environmental stresses, but the exact cause isn’t fully known. Usually, treatment is with medication or cognitive behavioral therapy, or a combination of both.

Living with a generalized anxiety disorder makes it difficult to have a normal daily life. But with the right treatment by a qualified doctor, sufferers can begin to enjoy living again.