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Severe General Anxiety Disorder

Severe general anxiety disorder, or GAD, is a condition that affects many people. It is known to be a constant pattern of excessive anxiety and worry over daily events and activities in a person's life. In order to have a true general anxiety disorder, these feelings have to last 6 months or more. Consult your doctor if you think you have severe general anxiety disorder.

  1. Causes

    • The causes of general anxiety disorder are not really known. However, it is believed that psychological and biological issues are involved because it tends to run in families. Severe general anxiety disorder happens in women more than men. Children tend to get it too. In fact, it often starts at an early age.

    Symptoms

    • There are many symptoms of severe general anxiety disorder. They can be different for each person. The most common symptom is worrying all the time. Some people have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. A person can feel restless and not be able to concentrate, or experience palpitations and shortness of breath. An individual may also feel irritable and tired. Other symptoms are hot flashes, muscle tension, shakiness and headaches.

    Tests

    • Various tests can help diagnose general anxiety disorder, including a physical examination and a psychological evaluation. Self-tests may also help an individual determine if she might have general anxiety disorder (see Resources).

    Treatment

    • People diagnosed with severe general anxiety disorder have several treatment options, including antidepressant medications like Zoloft or Paxil. Some people try behavioral therapy in which they learn relaxation techniques and other ways to deal with their condition. Counseling can also be helpful, as people can talk about their issues and learn anxiety management skills. Support groups have also been helpful for people that have severe general anxiety disorder.

    Warnings

    • Some individuals with severe general anxiety disorder turn to alcohol and drugs to help with their anxiety. Obviously this makes the problem worse instead of better. Also, having severe general anxiety disorder can lead to depression and panic disorder. That is why it is important to see a doctor if you think you have severe general anxiety disorder.

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