Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.

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One symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is an inability to sleep because of worrying about everyday things.
Credit: Rommel Canlas| Shutterstock
▼ People who experience generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) exhibit excessive concern about multiple events or activities most days of the week. While it is not unusual for people to experience some stress as they go about their daily lives, GAD sufferers rarely get a break from worrying.
Although some of the symptoms and reactions may be similar to those of a phobia (an extreme, irrational fear), GAD is not a direct response to a specific situation or experience. Sufferers experience unease that casts a shadow over all of their activities.
While not nearly as intense as a panic attack, the unease lasts much longer and almost doesn't let up, according to the National  Institute of Mental Health(NIMH).
"It is just a constant feeling of dread," said Thelma Duffey, professor and chairwoman of the Department of Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio, a licensed counselor and president-elect of the American Counseling Association. "Patients have a constant feeling of tension and anxiety that never goes away. They worry about things that have not yet even happened."
GAD affects about 6.8 million American adults, and strikes twice as many women as men, according to the Anxiety and  Depression Association of America(ADAA).That translates to about 3.1 percent of the adult population suffering from the disorder, and about one-third of those cases can be classified as severe.
Symptoms of GAD
Though people who suffer from GAD worry about the same things that other people do — relationships, money, health, work, etc. — they have a much higher level of worry that is nearly constant. The level of concern is not in sync with reality and is greatly magnified. Most people with GAD realize that their concerns are overblown, but they cannot seem to shake their anxiety, according to the NIMH.
Duffey said GAD patients are aware that their  anxiety level is highcompared to that of others, but they feel shame and embarrassment to address the problem. "They know better, but they can't help the negative thoughts," she said.
Both children and adults can develop GAD, and symptoms can come on slowly, according to the Mayo Clinic. But in some instances, a major life event, such as a change in health, or a life transition such as a divorce, can trigger the onset of GAD, Duffey told Live Science.
"GAD patients have always been anxious to some degree, but an event such as a car accident, poor grades, relationship or work difficulties can enhance their anxiety," she said.
The symptoms tend to ebb and flow but can be exacerbated during times of stress. What sets the worry of GAD suffers apart from normal stress is that the worry is intrusive, excessive, debilitating and persistent — lasting for more than six months, according to the NIMH.
Fatigue, nausea, muscle tension, nervousness, sweating, irritability and trembling are some of the physical symptoms of GAD, according to the Mayo  Clinic.
Sleeplessnessis another sign of GAD, because people with the disorder often feel as if they can't stop their mind from racing, Duffey said. People with GAD can also be very indecisive or have a fear of making the wrong decision, can overthink and have difficulty concentrating or have the feeling that their minds are "going blank"
Like those with panic disorder, GAD sufferers have difficulty with everyday tasks, the NIMH noted. However, people with GAD are not gripped by an overwhelming fear and are typically able to function. However, some may be unable to perform even routine tasks during times when their symptoms are the worst, according to the NIMH.
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