What to know about generalized anxiety disorder
GAD, a type of anxiety disorder, is very common. It affects 3.1% of the population (or 6.8 million adults) in the United States in any given year. It is more common in women.
Living with anxiety can be challenging. However, like other anxiety disorders, GAD is highly treatable. Some of the most effective treatments include psychotherapy, medication, and making lifestyle changes.
In this article, we provide an overview of GAD, including its symptoms and causes. We also list some potential treatment options.
Symptoms
A person with GAD may experience uncontrollable and persistent worries, fears, and concerns.
The symptoms of GAD can vary from one individual to another.
Symptoms may get better or worse at different times. Periods of high stress or physical illness, for example, often cause symptoms to worsen for a while.
Emotional and cognitive symptoms of GAD include:
- uncontrollable and persistent worries, fears, and concerns
- an inability to deal with uncertainty about the future
- intrusive thoughts
- excessive planning and troubleshooting
- difficulty making decisions
- fear of making the “wrong” decision
- problems concentrating
- an inability to relax
Physical symptoms include:
- tense or tight muscles
- aches and pains
- difficulty sleeping
- fatigue
- feeling restless, jumpy, or twitchy
- digestive problems, such as nausea or diarrhea
- being easily startled
- excessive sweating
- needing to urinate more frequently than usual
Behavioral symptoms include:
- being unable to relax or spend “quiet” time alone
- switching between tasks or not finishing tasks due to finding it difficult to concentrate
- spending excessive amounts of time completing simple tasks
- redoing tasks because they are not “perfect”
- avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, including socializing with others and speaking in public
- missing school or work due to fatigue, fear, or other symptoms
- requiring reassurance and approval from others
The presence of other conditions
People with GAD often have co-occurring conditions. These may include:
Diagnosis
A doctor may use a psychological questionnaire to diagnose GAD.
A doctor or mental health professional may diagnose GAD according to the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
To receive a diagnosis of GAD, a person must have:
- excessive anxiety and worry in several areas of their life on more days than not for at least 6 months
- difficulty controlling these worries
- at least three of the following symptoms (or just one symptom in the case of children):
- restlessness
- fatigue
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
- tense muscles
- sleep problems
- significant distress or problems functioning in social settings or at work
Also, these symptoms must not result from substance use or another medical condition.
To confirm a diagnosis or rule out physical conditions that may be causing symptoms, a doctor may:
- perform a physical examination
- take a detailed medical and family history
- use a psychological questionnaire
- order blood or urine tests
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of GAD is unknown. However, it most likely occurs as a result of a combination of several factors, including:
Genetics
Having a family history of GAD increases the risk of developing it, according to some research. For example, children of people with GAD are more likely to develop the condition themselves than those whose parents do not have it.
Brain chemistry and structure
Differences in brain functioning may increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. People with GAD also show differences in brain structure on neuroimaging studies using functional MRI scans.
An imbalance of serotonin and other brain chemicals are also present in people with GAD and other anxiety disorders.
Personality
People who are timid or pessimistic may be more likely to develop GAD.
Some research also suggests a link between anxiety disorders and neuroticism, a personality trait wherein people view the world as unsafe and threatening.
Life experiences and environmental factors
Having a history of trauma, such as abuse or bereavement, may also contribute to GAD. In addition, having a chronic illness can increase the chance of developing an anxiety disorder, as can misusing addictive substances.
Sex
Estimates suggest that females are twice as likely as males to have GAD.
Age
GAD can affect anyone of any age. However, the chance of developing it seems to be highest “between childhood and middle age.”
Treatments
Treatment options for GAD depend on the severity of a person’s symptoms and the presence of any other conditions.
Many people require a combination of treatments, such as attending psychotherapy and making lifestyle changes. Medications may also be necessary.
Treatment options include:
Psychotherapy
Working with a therapist can help people effectively manage their symptoms. Doctors and mental health professionals with often recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety, as it is both safe and effective.
Studies suggest that CBT reduces worry in people with GAD, with the effects being equal to those of medications and more effective 6 months after treatment completion.
Other types of therapy that show promise in treating GAD include mindfulness based therapies and acceptance and commitment therapy. This is a type of therapy that uses both acceptable and mindfulness techniques.
Medication
In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend medication to help with the symptoms of GAD.
Several types of medication can treat GAD, including:
- Antidepressants. Most commonly, doctors will prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for GAD. These drugs can take several weeks to work.
- Buspirone. This is an antianxiety medication that reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone can take several weeks to take effect.
- Benzodiazepines. Occasionally, doctors may prescribe a benzodiazepine for short term anxiety relief. These medications are fast acting, but they are highly addictive and may not be suitable for people with a history of addiction.
Lifestyle changes
Regular exercise may help a person keep their symptoms under control.
Making lifestyle modifications can help people keep their worries and concerns under better control. Some examples of helpful changes to make include:
- exercising regularly
- eating a healthful diet
- reducing exposure to stressors
- prioritizing issues and events
- practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga
- keeping a journal to help identify anxiety triggers and coping strategies
- avoiding alcohol and drugs, and limiting or avoiding nicotine or caffeine
- setting a sleep schedule to ensure 7–9 hours sleep per night
Summary
Anxiousness is a normal part of life, but excessive anxiety or worry — especially if it interferes with everyday functioning or relationships with others — can indicate an anxiety disorder.
GAD is common and highly treatable. Individuals who have concerns about their mental health should see a doctor or psychotherapist for treatment. The earlier a person seeks treatment, the better the outlook.
