By Bassi Gruen LSW

Ever find yourself feeling nervous for no reason with sweaty palms, a racing heart, or tension in your gut? It's anxiety that you’re feeling. 

Anxiety is a normal response to stress and will often show up when you’re facing a deadline at work, cramming for a test, or facing a serious decision.

Anxiety can be beneficial, serving as a warning system for danger and uncertainty. It can give you a boost of energy and sharpen your mind. 

However,  if you’re feeling on the edge all the time to the point that it’s interfering with daily life, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

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GAD Defined

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of topics, events, or activities. This worry is disproportionate to the actual likelihood or impact of the feared events. 

People with GAD have difficulty controlling their worry, often feeling on the edge, and leading to distress and compromised functioning.

GAD affects about 6.8 million American adults, with women twice as likely to be affected as men. The disorder can develop at any age, but the risk is highest between childhood and middle age. 

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Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of GAD are both physical and psychological. 

Common psychological symptoms include:

• Persistent worrying or obsession about small or large concerns
• Inability to relax, feeling restless, and being easily startled
• Difficulty concentrating or having the  mind “go blank”
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

Physical symptoms often associated with GAD are:

• Fatigue and general tiredness
• Headaches, muscle aches, and unexplained pain
• Dizziness, trembling, tingling
• Sweating, nausea, digestive disturbances
• Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat

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What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety isn’t a reflection of personal weakness or character flaws. Nor does it stem from problems with the way one was raised. GAD is a mental health condition that arises from a variety of factors, and they must be addressed with compassion and professionalism.

The exact cause of GAD is unknown, but it's believed to involve a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. 

Genetics may play a role, as anxiety disorders sometimes run in families. Personality traits such as shyness can also increase the risk of feeling on the edge and eventually developing GAD, and some physical conditions, including thyroid problems and heart arrhythmias, make GAD more likely. 

Moreover, exposure to stressful and negative events, particularly during childhood or adolescence, may trigger the disorder, ca

Diagnosing GAD typically involves a comprehensive evaluation. A doctor will do a physical exam to rule out any physical conditions that may be causing symptoms. While there are no lab tests to diagnose GAD, mental health professionals use various psychological questionnaires to understand the severity and impact of the person’s anxiety. 

They’ll then base the diagnosis on your reported symptoms, including their intensity and duration, how the symptoms impact your life, and their own observations of your attitude and behavior. 

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How is Anxity Treated?

An anxiety disorder treatment plan usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective therapies for anxiety, helping patients understand their feelings and develop better coping mechanisms. 

Medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can also be very effective as part of an anxiety disorder treatment plan.

The Difficulties of Living with GAD

Living with GAD can be challenging. The effects of long-term anxiety are vast impacting various aspects of life, including work performance, social activities, and relationships. It's not uncommon for individuals with GAD to experience co-occurring disorders, such as depression or other anxiety disorders.

Support from family, friends, and support groups can be invaluable for those living with GAD. Education about the disorder is also crucial, as it empowers individuals and their loved ones to better understand the condition and foster a supportive environment for recovery.

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Conclusion

Living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is difficult, but with effective treatments and supportive strategies, people with GAD can lead rich, fulfilling lives. 

If you recognize the signs of GAD, seek professional help. This will bring you much closer to managing your anxiety and improving overall well-being. By taking steps to implement an anxiety disorder treatment plan, people with anxiety can find hope and support in their journey to mental health.