An Anxiety Disorder is characterized by having a constant feeling of anxiety or dread, not the usual occasional worry. Anxiety is a normal human emotion. Many people experience occasional anxiety from work, school, finances, and family problems. However, having an anxiety disorder is more than occasional fear or worry. Symptoms of an anxiety disorder do not go away and may get worse over time. This can lead to impairment in work and school performance, and in one’s personal life.
There are several types of anxiety including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread. It is different from the occasional worry or anxiety that accompanies normal life.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
The symptoms of GAD are highly variable. Some may display some or most of the potential symptoms. Individuals may have excessive worry and frequent catastrophic thoughts while others may have predominantly physical symptoms (i.e., nausea, tension, stomach ache, fast heart rate). The symptoms usually occur on most days for at least 6 months.
GAD symptoms may include:
- Excessive worry
- Difficulty controlling the worry
- Restlessness
- Feeling on edge or keyed up
- Being easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Physical discomfort (i.e., irritable bowel, headache, stomach ache)
What Causes Anxiety?
Researchers have many causes of GAD including genetic, trauma, and environmental factors. Substances like caffeine may aggravate symptoms and drug misuse. Other potential causes can include but are not limited to:
- Relationship or marriage issues
- Job loss
- Abuse
- Money problems
- Sleep issues
- Loneliness
- Isolation
- Legal issues
- Toll from COVID-19
Biological Factors of GAD
The risk of GAD is higher if multiple family members are diagnosed with the disorder. Researchers have identified several areas in the brain that play a pivotal role in fear and anxiety. Some types of anxiety are very responsive to either medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, or a combination of both treatments. There is no single cause of anxiety. There may be multiple stressors or factors that may cause a person to develop symptoms. It is also important to know that anxiety can arise even when there is no apparent external cause.
Treatment for Anxiety?
Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is an extremely effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety. CBT allows the patient to discover different ways of thinking, behaving, and responding to situations that decrease anxiety symptoms.
Medication
Your psychiatrist may recommend several classes of psychotropic medications including:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
- Benzodiazepines
Before starting any medication, the risks, benefits, and potential side effects will be discussed with you.
Lifestyle
Utilizing healthy lifestyle changes can work wonders with anxiety. Getting enough sleep, reducing caffeine intake, deep breathing, and meditations are some of the few ways one can ease day-to-day stress and tension.
Prevalence
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 31% of U.S adults experience any type of anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. A majority of those with anxiety experience some form of impairment in their day-to-day lives.
