Symptoms: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

We all experience anxiety.
For example, speaking in front of a group can make us

anxious, but that anxiety also motivates us to prepare and practice. Driving in heavy
traffic is another common source of anxiety, but it helps keep us alert and cautious to
avoid accidents. However, when feelings of intense fear and distress become
overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday activities, an anxiety disorder
may be the cause.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States.
Over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder. Meanwhile,
approximately 7% of children aged 3-17 experience issues with anxiety each
year. Most people develop symptoms before age 21.
Symptoms
Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms.
However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear
or worry in situations that are not threatening. People typically experience one or
more of the following symptoms:
Emotional symptoms:
 Feelings of apprehension or dread

 Feeling tense or jumpy
 Restlessness or irritability
 Anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger
Physical symptoms:
 Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath

 Sweating, tremors and twitches
 Headaches, fatigue and insomnia
 Upset stomach, frequent urination or diarrhea
Types Of Anxiety Disorders
There are many types of anxiety disorders, each with different symptoms. The most
common types of anxiety disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD produces chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday life. This worrying can
consume hours each day, making it hard to concentrate or finish daily tasks. A
person with GAD may become exhausted by worry and experience headaches,
tension or nausea.
Social Anxiety Disorder

More than shyness, this disorder causes intense fear about social interaction, often
driven by irrational worries about humiliation (e.g. saying something stupid or not
knowing what to say). Someone with social anxiety disorder may not take part in
conversations, contribute to class discussions or offer their ideas, and may become
isolated. Panic attacks are a common reaction to anticipated or forced social
interaction.
Panic Disorder
This disorder is characterized by panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror
sometimes striking repeatedly and without warning. Often mistaken for a heart
attack, a panic attack causes powerful physical symptoms including chest pain, heart
palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and stomach upset. Many people will go
to desperate measures to avoid an attack, including social isolation.
Phobias
We all tend to avoid certain things or situations that make us uncomfortable or even
fearful. But for someone with a phobia, certain places, events or objects create
powerful reactions of strong, irrational fear. Most people with specific phobias have
several things that can trigger those reactions; to avoid panic, they will work hard to
avoid their triggers. Depending on the type and number of triggers, attempts to
control fear can take over a person’s life.
Other anxiety disorders include:
 Agoraphobia
 Selective mutism
 Separation anxiety disorder
 Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, involving intoxication or
withdrawal or medication treatment
Causes
Scientists believe that many factors combine to cause anxiety disorders:
 Genetics. Studies support the evidence that anxiety disorders “run in

families,” as some families have a higher-than-average amount of anxiety
disorders among relatives.
 Environment. A stressful or traumatic event such as abuse, death of a loved
one, violence or prolonged illness is often linked to the development of an
anxiety disorder.
Diagnosis
Physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder can be easily confused with other medical
conditions, like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. Therefore, a doctor will likely
perform an evaluation involving a physical examination, an interview and lab tests.
After ruling out an underlying physical illness, a doctor may refer a person to a
mental health professional for evaluation.
Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) a mental

health professional is able to identify the specific type of anxiety disorder causing
symptoms as well as any other possible disorders that may be involved. Tackling all
disorders through comprehensive treatment is the best recovery strategy.
Treatment
Different anxiety disorders have their own distinct sets of symptoms. This means that
each type of anxiety disorder also has its own treatment plan. But there are common
types of treatment that are used.
 Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy

 Medications, including antianxiety medications and antidepressants
 Complementary health approaches, including stress and relaxation
techniques

Symptoms: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

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We all experience anxiety.

For example, speaking in front of a group can make us

 Feelings of apprehension or dread

 Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Social Anxiety Disorder

Other anxiety disorders include:

 Genetics. Studies support the evidence that anxiety disorders “run in

Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) a mental

 Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy

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