Generalized Anxiety Disorder - GAD - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Sometimes called GAD, generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday life events. Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States.

Nearly 6 million American adults have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in any given year, and it affects more women than men.

Like other types of anxiety, people with generalized anxiety frequently experience physical symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, stomach problems including nausea and diarrhea...

What Causes GAD?

Although there are no specific causes of generalized anxiety disorder, certain factors increase the risk of developing the condition.

Some people are more likely to develop GAD if they have a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions.

Other risk factors include having a stressful life event occur, being over 40 years old, and living in a large metropolitan area. Some people may experience GAD due to long-term stress that develops over time...

What Are The Symptoms Of GAD?

The main symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is excessive and uncontrollable worry. People with this condition will often focus their anxiety on everyday events like household chores, work, financial issues, or family responsibilities.

Unlike other forms of anxiety, people with GAD do not fear specific situations or life events; they simply worry about any facets of their lives. Additionally, people with GAD tend to experience physical symptoms like muscle tension, irritability, fatigue...

How is GAD Treated?

Counselling can help people with GAD control their worries. Since this disorder is so common, many mental health professionals have experience treating it. Counselling that includes family members, as well as the patient, can be effective in improving generalized anxiety disorder.

In addition, cognitive behavioural therapy can help people learn how to cope with their anxiety through techniques such as relaxation exercises and identifying the thoughts, beliefs, and fears that may underlie their condition...

Generalized anxiety disorder is very common in the United States. A survey of 6,000 adults found that 6% have a generalized anxiety disorder.

The prevalence of GAD is 7% in children ages 6–17 years. Prevalence increases with age into adulthood, with only about 1% of adults ages 18–29 years having GAD.

Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States, affecting more people than major depression and bipolar disorder combined.

It is also one of the most common mental health problems experienced by women (the female-to-male ratio is 3:1), and it affects more women than men (the male-to-female ratio is 2:1).

Generalized anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life.

A diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder means the patient suffers from excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday life events. Here are some key facts you should know about generalized anxiety disorder...

·         Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects nearly 6 million American adults in any given year, and it affects more women than men.

·         The most common age for people to develop GAD is between 40 and 60 years old. However, the rate of onset increases as people get older, with almost 5% of people ages 80–89 years old having GAD.

Frequently Asked Questions GAD

What Are The Different Types Of GAD?

Not all cases of generalized anxiety disorder are the same; the severity and types vary depending on additional symptoms that may be present. For example, some people will also experience panic attacks or other anxiety-related symptoms like racing thoughts or intrusive images. Generalized anxiety disorder is classified based on the additional symptoms experienced by the patient...

What Can Be Done To Help Minimize GAD?

Experiencing generalized anxiety disorder can be extremely stressful. If you are suffering, learn what you can do to manage your condition.

Self-help strategies that may help include: trying relaxation techniques like deep breathing, imagery, or meditation; talking to friends and family members about how you're feeling; learning about coping mechanisms such as taking walks, exercising, journaling, etc.; seeking counselling if possible...