Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by constant, excessive, and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about a variety of common life stressors that are out of proportion to the actual impact of the event.
There are effective treatments available to manage the condition, including psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT) and medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.
Please continue reading to learn more about generalized anxiety disorder treatment from a mental health professional as well as self-care tips to manage the condition effectively.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental illness in which the affected person experiences constant, unrealistic, and exaggerated feelings of worry, fear, and anxiety about routine things such as health, finances, and family responsibilities.
How is GAD Different from Normal Anxiety?
Worries and anxieties are normal with routine life stressors, but most people can overcome them. In people with GAD, the worries, anxiety, and fears spiral out of control, affecting their ability to function at school or work, their relationships and social connections, and their overall quality of life.
How Common is Generalized anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Experts estimate that approximately 3% to 8% of the US population has generalized anxiety disorder. However, less than half of affected people are receiving appropriate treatment for generalized anxiety.
Women are twice as commonly affected by GAD as men. Most people first develop symptoms and seek treatment for generalized anxiety in their 20s and 30s, but the condition can affect people of all ages, including young children, teenagers, and older adults. Generalized anxiety is the most common anxiety disorder in elderly people over age 65 years.
Note: In 50 to 90% of people with generalized anxiety disorder, there is at least one other mental health condition such as panic disorder, depression, phobia, or substance abuse.
What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Generalized anxiety disorder can look different in different people. Many of the symptoms of GAD can resemble or overlap with other anxiety disorders such social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here is a brief overview of some of the mental and physical symptoms in people with generalized anxiety.
Psychological Signs and Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety
- Persistent worry, fear, or anxiety about various life events that are out of proportion to the real impact of the events.
- Overthinking and imaging the worst-case scenarios.
- Perceiving events and situations as threatening, even when there isn’t any real danger.
- Having trouble handling uncertainty.
- Being indecisive or fearful when making decisions.
- Having difficulty letting go of worrying thoughts.
- Being unable to relax and constantly feeling on edge, restless, or irritable.
- Having trouble concentrating and thinking.
Physical Signs and Symptoms of GAD
- Tiredness
- Sleep problems
- Muscle tension
- Twitching or trembling
- Jitteriness or nervousness
- Sweating
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
GAD Symptoms in Children and Teenagers
Children and adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder may have excessive or disproportionate worries or fears about:
- School performance
- Performance in sporting events
- Punctuality and turning in assignments on time
- Fitting in with peers
- Safety of family members
- Catastrophic events like earthquakes or hurricanes
Fears and worries related to generalized anxiety can cause children or teens to:
- Spend excessive time on homework
- Re-do tasks because they aren’t perfect
- Be perfectionists
- Lack confidence
- Crave approval from adults and peers
- Require constant reassurance
- Avoid school or social events
What Causes Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Scientists do not know the exact cause of generalized anxiety disorder. However, research suggests that generalized anxiety and other mental health conditions occur due to a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
Brain Chemistry
People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often have an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitter imbalances can affect mental well-being and emotional stability.
Brain Structure
Neuroimaging studies have shown differences in brain structure in people with GAD, specifically in a part of the brain called the amygdala which processes fear and anxiety.
Genetic Factors
Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, suggesting that genetics may play a role in the development of generalized anxiety disorder. Studies have found that children of parents with GAD are up 2 to 2.5 times more likely to develop generalized anxiety or other anxiety disorders.
Environmental Factors
Stressful life events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or illness can trigger generalized anxiety disorder. Traumatic experiences, such as childhood abuse (neglect, abandonment, bullying), sexual abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse, or losses due to natural disasters can contribute to the development of GAD. In addition, the family environment can contribute to anxiety where children might learn anxious or stressed behaviors from family members with GAD.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications can cause anxiety as a side effect, including:
- Medications used to treat high blood pressure (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers).
- Stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta.
- Medications containing caffeine, such as drugs prescribed for migraine headaches.
- Asthma inhalers containing albuterol can cause nervousness, tremors, and sleep difficulties.
- Steroid medications, especially high doses or long-term use, can cause psychological symptoms like anxiety, mood changes, and sleep difficulties.
- Thyroid medications can cause anxiety-related side effects like fast heartbeat, tremors, sweating, and restlessness.
- Nasal decongestants and antihistamines can lead to physical symptoms of anxiety such as nervousness, restlessness, and trouble sleeping.
- Illegal drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD can cause anxiety.
Medical Conditions
Anxiety can be a symptom in many medical conditions, including:
- Endocrine disorders of the thyroid gland or adrenal glands.
- Digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach ulcers, and Crohn’s disease.
- Neuromuscular conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and myasthenia gravis.
- Substance use disorders (drug abuse and addiction) and withdrawal from alcohol, prescription drug misuse, or street drug abuse can cause anxiety.
- Other conditions can cause anxiety including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, cancer, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.
What Are the Risk Factors for GAD?
Anyone can develop generalized anxiety disorder but some people are at a higher risk. Risk factors for GAD include:
Female Gender
Anxiety disorders are about twice as common in females than in males.
Genetics
People who have close family members with generalized anxiety disorder may be at a higher risk of developing GAD.
Environment
Risk factors for generalized anxiety include major life events and traumatic experiences.
Personality Traits
People with personality traits such as timidness, shyness, negativity, and avoidance may be more prone to developing generalized anxiety disorder.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Mental health professionals can make a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder based on a person’s symptoms, medical history, and life history. Your healthcare provider will also do a physical examination and/or order tests to rule out medical conditions that may be causing anxiety.
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+18442884672 Mental health providers use guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) to make a confirmed diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder.
DSM-V states that generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed when:
- “Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) occur on more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities.
- The person finds it difficult to control the worry.
- The anxiety and worry are associated with three or more of the following six symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances”
What is the Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
The mainstay of treatment for GAD is psychotherapy and medications. Most people benefit from a combination of both treatments.
Psychotherapy for GAD
Psychotherapy or talk therapy involves receiving psychological counseling from a mental health professional such as a licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. The goal is to learn skills to manage worries and reduce anxiety symptoms.
One of the most effective evidence-based psychotherapy modalities is called cognitive behavior therapy or CBT. It helps people with generalized anxiety disorder identify negative thinking patterns and behaviors and replace them with healthier ones.
Other psychotherapy modalities that can benefit people with GAD include:
- Psychodynamic or insight-oriented therapy to understand the cause for your anxiety disorder.
- Interpersonal psychotherapy to resolve relationship conflicts that trigger anxiety symptoms.
- Exposure and desensitization therapy to help you confront fears and overcome them.
- Applied relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and visualization to learn to control your generalized anxiety symptoms.
Medications for GAD
Medications can help to rebalance brain chemicals and relieve anxiety symptoms. Some of the drugs prescribed to people with GAD include:
- Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), for example, fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), and paroxetine (Paxil).
- Antidepressants called serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), for example duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR).
- Tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and imipramine.
- Tetracyclic antidepressants like mirtazapine (Remeron).
- Anxiolytic drugs such as buspirone (BuSpar).
- Anti-anxiety drugs called benzodiazepines, for example, alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium).
Your healthcare provider will likely prescribe an antidepressant (SSRI or SNRI) as the first-choice treatment. These drugs can be taken long-term. However, they can take several weeks to have their full effect.
Benzodiazepines can be used for short-term management of anxiety symptoms. These medicines start working quickly, but are habit-forming and cannot be taken long-term.
Anxiety medications such as buspirone do not carry a risk of physical dependence or addiction. However, like antidepressants, this drug takes 2-4 weeks to be effective.
Can You Prevent Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
There is no certain way to prevent generalized anxiety disorder. However, you can lower your risk of severe generalized anxiety by seeking timely health for anxiety symptoms. A mental health professional can help you identify the triggers for your anxiety and develop coping skills to manage your symptoms. You should also avoid alcohol and drug use as a coping mechanism as substance use can ultimately lead to worsening anxiety symptoms and put you at risk of addiction.
What is the Outlook for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
The prognosis (outlook) for GAD is good. Studies suggest that about half of all patients are improved within 3 weeks of starting treatment and three-fourths of all patients are improved within 9 months. Without treatment, generalized anxiety disorder can last years.
Self-Care Tips for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
In addition to seeking care from a mental health provider, you can undertake the following healthy lifestyle changes to get your anxiety under control:
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- Eat a healthy diet. Unhealthy eating patterns can lead to obesity, chronic health conditions, and mental health conditions such as eating disorders.
- Get regular physical activity, preferably outdoors. Staying active on most days of the week can help reduce stress and improve mood. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercise routine.
- Ensure adequate restful sleep. Lack of sleep can worsen generalized anxiety symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider if constant worries are not allowing you to get a good night’s sleep.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like visualization, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drug use as a coping method. Substance use may provide temporary relief but worsens anxiety in the long-term.
- Quit smoking, if you smoke.
- Limit caffeine intake.
When To Seek Mental Healthcare for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
You should see a healthcare provider for generalized anxiety disorder treatment if:
- Your anxiety symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks.
- Fears and worries are affecting your ability to function at school or work.
- You avoid certain situations or events that cause anxiety.
- Constant worrying is affecting your relationships.
- You have symptoms such as insomnia, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating.
Key Takeaways
Generalized anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition that affects millions of Americans. Left untreated, it can influence every aspect of your life, including work, family life, and relationships. Fortunately, most people benefit from generalized anxiety disorder treatment consisting of psychotherapy, medications, or both.
The important thing is to recognize the symptoms of GAD and seek treatment in a timely manner. At Discover Recovery, we offer a range of psychotherapy modalities to manage anxiety disorders. Our healthcare team can also discuss medication management for generalized anxiety treatment. Call us today to find out how you or a loved one can benefit from our generalized anxiety treatment program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is It Like Living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Living with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can feel like a constant state of fear, worry, and anxiety about everyday situations and activities, which can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have GAD?
You should seek care from a mental health professional if you suspect you might have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Is GAD Considered a Serious Mental Illness?
Yes, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is considered a serious mental illness that can affect many aspects of a person’s life.
Is GAD a Lifelong Disorder?
In some people, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can be chronic (long-term) even lifelong condition. However, most people with GAD have improvement in their symptoms with evidence-based generalized anxiety disorder treatment.
Can You Fully Recover from GAD?
Yes, it is possible to fully recover from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with the proper diagnosis and treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder treatment usually consists of a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Untreated GAD?
Left untreated, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can affect many aspects of your life, including work and family, lead to physical health complications, and increase your risk of developing other anxiety disorders and mental health conditions such as depression.
Is GAD a Disability?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may be considered a disability if you meet certain conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book.
