What Is High Anxiety Disorder?

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million Americans annually, making it the most prevalent mental illness in the United States. High anxiety, commonly known as generalized anxiety disorder, can take a severe toll on your quality of life if left untreated.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, can be defined as constant, unwarranted stress or worry about common issues such as work, money, relationships and health. This persistent worry about everyday life often is exaggerated and unnecessary. Those suffering from GAD realize that this anxiety is excessive but are unable to control their tension and function comfortably under intense anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, GAD is diagnosed when high anxiety systems persist for a six-month period or beyond.

Signs and Symptoms

• Symptoms include headaches, muscle aches, difficulty sleeping, irritability, gastrointestinal pain, fatigue and restlessness.

Causes

• This anxiety disorder affects 6.8 million Americans each year. According to the ADAA, there is no single cause of GAD; however, there are many factors attributed to developing this disorder, such as genetic and/or biological factors, family history and early life experiences.

Treatment

• Psychotherapy or medications in the form of anti-depressants, anti-anxiety pills or beta-blockers to relieve physical symptoms are often prescribed to treat high anxiety. In some instances, psychotherapy is combined with medication to explore the root cause of this anxiety and help treat it.

Misconceptions

• There are many types of anxiety disorders, and a "one size fits all" treatment plan will not be effective. It is important to discuss symptoms with a physician to correctly diagnose the specific type of anxiety disorder suffered. This ultimately will determine the course of treatment.