People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder go through the day filled with exaggerated worry as well as tension, though there may be nothing in order to provoke it. They anticipate disaster. They are overly concerned about health issues, money, family problems, as well as difficulties at work. Sometimes just the thought of getting through the day may produce anxiety.
Generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed when a person worries excessively about the various everyday problems for at least 6 months. People with generalized anxiety disorders can’t get rid of their concerns, though they usually realize that their anxiety is much more intense than what the situation warrants. They can’t relax. They startle easily, and have difficulty in concentrating. Besides, they have trouble falling asleep or in staying asleep.
Physical symptoms which often accompany this anxiety include fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, as well as muscle aches, difficulty in swallowing and trembling. Other symptoms are twitching, irritability, sweating, as well as nausea, lightheadedness, having to go to the bathroom frequently, and feeling out of breath, besides hot flashes.
When their anxiety level is mild, people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder can function socially as well as hold down a job. Though they won’t avoid certain situations due to their disorder, people with generalized anxiety disorder can have difficulty in carrying out the simplest daily activities in case their anxiety is severe.
This is a disorder that develops gradually. It can begin at any point in the life cycle, though the years of highest risk are between childhood and middle age. There is evidence that genes tend to play a modest role in generalized anxiety disorder.
Other anxiety disorders, depression, as well as substance abuse often accompany generalized anxiety disorder, which rarely occurs alone. It is commonly treated with medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy, but the co-occurring conditions must also be treated by using the appropriate therapies.