Characteristics of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) suffer from excessive worry and constant anxiety. Worrying is experienced virtually every day and is unable to be controlled. Daily life activities such as maintaining one's home, job responsibilities or financial matters are typically the source of the worry. Although these matters are legitimate sources of worry, the resulting anxiety is overwhelming for someone with GAD.

Diagnosis

• The main symptoms of GAD, worry and anxiety, must occur for at least six months for a diagnosis of GAD. In addition, several other symptoms must be present such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleeping problems, muscle tension and increased irritability. Also, the source of these symptoms must be multiple issues, not just one. Although constant worrying usually does not prevent individuals from engaging in certain activities, it makes engaging in these activities difficult and often unpleasant.

Sleep

• Falling asleep and staying asleep can be difficult for those with GAD. Since individuals have difficulty controlling their worries, anxious thoughts that enter their minds may be hard to repel. GAD sufferers may find themselves unable to sleep night after night as a result and may have limited energy during the day. They also may have difficulty concentrating and can become easily annoyed.

Associated Features

• Individuals with GAD often experience physically identifiable symptoms. Anxiety can cause sweating, nausea, diarrhea and trembling. GAD sufferers may be on edge all the time. They may startle easily or jump at the slightest sound. Individuals diagnosed with GAD frequently have a co-existing mood disorder, such as depression. GAD may occur with another anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder, or a substance-related disorder such as alcohol abuse.

Worries

• Individuals with GAD tend to overemphasize the importance of punctuality and can become overly anxious if they are late for an appointment. Also, they are overly concerned with the quality of their work at school or on the job. They seek approval constantly and need to be reassured they are doing a good job. Women are more frequently diagnosed with GAD than men.

Treatment

• Anti-anxiety medications are commonly used to treat GAD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals relieve tension by talking about their concerns. Exercise and meditation can help sufferers to focus on their bodies instead of the distressing worries in their mind. Multiple treatments are usually required, especially when other disorders are present.