Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Everyone has anxiety.  Everyone worries.  Sometimes we tend to worry about a lot of things in general.  Yet, it doesn't mean that we suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).  GAD is more than the normal
anxiety people experience day to day.  It is the worry and tension that is:

 1. chronic
 2. exaggerated and
 3. seems to come out-of-the-blue.
 
GAD sufferers seem to be always anticipating the worst case scenario, and worrying excessively about a variety of things.

I believe that GAD sufferers actually believe that:
 
 1. worrrying will provide some protection against bad fortunes
 2. worrying will help them be more prepared for worst case scenarios
 3. they are "supposed" to worry
 4. worry about someone or something shows that you "care"
 5. worry will help you figure things out better
 6. worry is out of control.

Often, GAD sufferers report that they  feel more comfortable when they are worrying.  

Symptoms

• chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience
• 6 months or more duration
• expect the worst
• unable to relax
• often suffer from insomnia
• physical symptoms may include fatigue, trembling, muscle tension,  headaches, irritability, or hot flashes.

Other Symptoms

• heightened startle reflex
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• depressed mood
• nausea or a frequent need to go to the bathroom
• the sensation of a "lump" in the throat

Interestingly, GAD sufferers often do quite well in social situations.  They do not tend to experience the same degree of social avoidance that other anxiety disorder sufferers experience.  Yet, GAD can be severe and significantly interfere with one's daily activities.

Incidence More women suffer from GAD than do men.  GAD affects approximately  3 to 4% of the U.S. population in any given year.

Causes
GAD often runs in families.  It can be exacerbated by stress. 

Onset for GAD is usually at a younger age and more slowly than the other anxiety disorders.  It is usually first evident in childhood or adolescence, although it can become first evident in adulthood. 

Other Physical and Emotional Illnesses may accompany GAD (eg. substance abuse, other anxiety disorders, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, headaches, etc.)
 
Treatment with medications (such as benzodiazepines) in conjunction with cognitive behavior therapy is recommended.