Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a type of mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of worry or dread that interfere with a person’s day-to-day life. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this condition currently affects some 6.8 million adults. So, if you are experiencing this firsthand, you are far from alone.
GAD often causes individuals to worry over mundane or everyday situations or occurrences excessively. It can be debilitating when intense and lead to a poor quality of life. Therefore, it’s important to understand the symptoms of this disorder and get the help you need if you suspect you may have GAD.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Many symptoms go along with GAD. This type of anxiety is chronic, meaning that living with this mental health condition can be difficult without treatment.
Symptoms can be general in terms of mood and overall feelings but can also be physical as well. It’s essential to consider both as evidence of this condition:
- Pervasive and persistent anxiety.
- Indecisiveness, or a fear of making the wrong choice.
- Overthinking solutions and plans.
- Difficulty when facing uncertainty.
- Inability to relax fully, feeling keyed up, on edge, or restless.
- Inability to let go of worry.
- Difficulty when trying to concentrate; feeling as if the mind goes blank.
Physical signs that can accompany GAD include:
- Muscle tension or pain.
- Fatigue.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, nausea.
- Sweating.
- Irritability.
Does GAD Differ From Other Forms of Anxiety?
GAD is different from other forms of anxiety. With GAD, the intensity of anxiety, feelings of uneasiness, or panic are often worse than typical feelings of anxiety. In addition, the duration of symptoms is notably different. For example, if you have GAD, you might feel anxious for days over a period spanning months. Conversely, normal feelings of anxiety are often associated with a stressful situation or phobia and often go away once the stressor is removed. GAD, on the other hand, usually does not have a singular trigger and is more generalized.
Get Help Today: Contact AVI MIND P.C.
If you think you might be suffering from the mental health condition Generalized Anxiety Disorder, contact us today at AVI MIND at (516) 535-9551 or book an appointment online. We are happy to speak with you and get you on the road to optimal mental health, whether through therapy, medication, or a balanced combination of the two if needed.