Do You Know the General Anxiety Disorder Symptoms?

People who suffer from general anxiety disorder symptoms suffer from persistent worry and tension that is much worse than the anxiety most people experience from time to time.

The high level or chronic state of anxiety associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can make ordinary activities difficult or even impossible.

The main symptom of GAD is an exaggerated or unfounded state of worry and anxiety, often about such matters as health, money, family, or work.

Although people with GAD may realize that their anxiety is excessive or unwarranted, they are unable to simply "snap out of it". For them, the mere thought of getting through the day can provoke anxiety.

The persistent worrying characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is hard to control and interferes with daily life. Many GAD sufferers seem unable to relax and may startle easily.

In addition, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is often accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal problems.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder develops over time.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder does not appear suddenly; it develops over time. To be diagnosed with GAD, a person must experience the following symptoms:

The presence of three or more of the following symptoms, some of which are present for over half the days in the past 6 months:

- Excessive anxiety and worry about several events or activities and trouble controlling these feelings

- Feeling restless, edgy, keyed up

- Tiring easily

- Trouble concentrating

- Irritability

- Increased muscle tension

- Trouble sleeping (initial insomnia or restless, unsatisfying sleep)

- The anxiety and worry aren't suggestive of another mood disorder

- The symptoms cause severe distress or impair a person's ability to function at work, socially, or in some other way

It's important to know that there are many different illnesses that can lead to symptoms of anxiety.

Your doctor or other healthcare professional must rule out other possible causes (including other medicines or illegal drugs) before diagnosing you with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Anxiety is not the same for everyone

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder vary from person to person, and you don't need to have all the above symptoms in order to have GAD. That's why GAD can be difficult to diagnose.

Some patients with GAD first decide to go to see their doctor because of stress-related complaints such as headaches or problems sleeping.

Be sure to seek the assistance of a healthcare professional so he or she can determine if you have symptoms of an anxiety disorder.