Generalized anxiety disorder - GAD

We all tend to be anxious from time to time. Namely, this state of body and mind helps us concentrate better and perform with higher standards. Yet, if we find ourselves worried and anxious during every single second of our life, we might be dealing with something far more serious. Anxiety may be involved in quite a few personality disorders such as panic disorder, post-traumatic disorder and phobias. However, the type of prevalent anxiety and worrying, interfering with one's life and proper functioning is called generalized anxiety disorder or GAD.

Facts regarding GAD

GAD is a condition which usually bothers a person for a longer period of time, making him/her frustrated and anxious over a whole range of situations rather than over a single problem in life. People suffering from GAD cannot seem to remember the last time they felt relaxed. Rather, they are always exposed to numerous physical and mental symptoms of this condition and these affect their sleeping and daily functioning.

As far as Britain is concerned, GAD affects one individual in every 20 adults. Women are known to suffer from GAD more than men and all people are most likely to develop this disorder while in their 20s.

Signs of GAD

Since this condition depends on the personality of an affected individual, the symptoms can vary. Namely, certain individuals may experience 2 or 3 symptoms while others may deal with much more.

Nevertheless, basically, GAD manifests through restlessness and a constant feeling of sorrow. The sufferers feel that they are constantly on the verge of breaking down. This makes it hard for them to concentrate and they are usually irritable, impatient and have a short attention span.

Some GAD sufferers choose to isolate themselves from the rest of the society, only to avoid the dread they feel and worries that torture them. Even going to work may seem stressful and bothersome. So, many people with this disorder may skip work or call in sick often.

As far as physical signs are concerned, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, pins and needles sensations, palpitations, tension and pain in the muscles, dry mouth, excessive sweating, shallow breathing, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, strong thirst, frequent need for urinating, painful or missed menstrual periods and sleeping disorders, all can bother a person suffering from GAD.

Some people develop this condition due to their work or lifestyle, as well as a traumatic event in the past, while others are not even capable of identifying the reasons behind their worries and anxiety.