What is Generalised Anxiety disorder (GAD)?
It's normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful. However, excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that interfere with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder. It is possible to develop generalized anxiety disorder as a child or an adult.
What are the symptoms of GAD?
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms can vary. They may include:
Persistent worrying or obsession about small or large concerns that's out of proportion to the impact of the event
Inability to set aside or let go of a worry
Inability to relax, restlessness, and feeling keyed up or on edge
Difficulty concentrating or the feeling that your mind "goes blank"
Distress about making decisions for fear of making the wrong decision
Difficulty handling uncertainty or indecisiveness
Physical signs and symptoms may include:
Fatigue
Irritability
Muscle tension or muscle aches
Trembling, feeling twitchy
Being easily startled
Trouble sleeping
Sweating
Nausea, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome
Headaches
Having generalized anxiety disorder does more than just make you worry. It can:
Impair your ability to perform tasks quickly and efficiently because you have trouble concentrating
Take your time and focus from other activities
Sap your energy
Disturb your sleep
Generalized anxiety disorder can also lead to or worsen other mental and physical health conditions, such as:
Depression (which often occurs with generalized anxiety disorder)
Substance abuse
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Digestive or bowel problems
Headaches
Heart-health issues
When to see a doctor
Some anxiety is normal and healthy too as it can enhance work performance and push the individual to give his/her best but see your doctor if:
You feel like you're worrying too much, and it's interfering with your work, relationships or other parts of your life
You feel depressed, have trouble with drinking or drugs, or you have other mental health concerns along with anxiety
You have suicidal thoughts or behaviors — seek emergency treatment immediately
Treatment includes medication, relaxation training, cognitive behavior therapy and counseling.
Your worries are unlikely to simply go away on their own, and they may actually get worse over time. Try to seek professional help with qualified psychiatrist before your anxiety becomes severe — it is easier to treat early into the problem.
Dr.K.Harish Chandra Reddy
Consultant Psychiatrist
Sahara Mind Clinic,Hyderabad