What Is the Most Common Form of Anxiety?

Anxiety is a general term which includes social anxiety, post-traumatic disorder, phobias and the most common, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, GAD affects 6.8 million Americans. Often, other disorders such as substance abuse and depression accompany GAD. Fortunately, GAD is treatable and various approaches are available.

Identification

• GAD exceeds normal day-to-day stress. It is a persistent state of exaggerated worry which leads to intense anxiety and fear. Issues for excessive worrying can range from personal matters like health, money, family, career to bigger, worldly issues like the environment and global peace.

Symptoms

• GAD symptoms restrict the ability to relax. Physical symptoms may include: muscle tension, anxiety attacks, headaches, hot flashes, digestion difficulties and fatigue. The constant state of stress can also lead to irritability and insomnia.

Effects

• Women are twice as likely to be affected by GAD. It usually occurs gradually with the highest risk between childhood and middle age.

Feature

• Both environmental and genetic factors can be the root cause of the disorder.

Solutions

• Various methods of self-help techniques which incorporate heightening the five physical senses for a soothing affect can often help people with GAD. Other methods of coping include: therapy, yoga, meditation and anti-anxiety medications.