Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when worry becomes overwhelming and disrupts daily activities, it might indicate generalized anxiety disorder. This condition can develop at any age and often appears alongside other mental health issues.
While it shares some characteristics with panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder is distinct.
People living with generalized anxiety disorder typically face ongoing challenges. The good news is that effective treatments exist. These include:
- Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Lifestyle modifications
- Coping techniques
- Relaxation practices
With proper treatment and support, many people experience significant improvement in their symptoms. Managing generalized anxiety disorder often requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of anxiety.
Symptoms
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves excess worry and anxiety that’s hard to control. People with this condition often feel concerned about many different things, worrying more than seems reasonable for the situation.
People with GAD typically overthink everything, constantly planning for worst-case scenarios. They may see danger in ordinary situations and struggle with uncertainty. Making decisions becomes difficult because they fear making mistakes.
Once a worry takes hold, they find it nearly impossible to let go.
Common mental symptoms include:
- Constant, excessive worrying about various concerns
- Viewing normal situations as threatening
- Difficulty making decisions
- Inability to stop worrying
- Problems concentrating
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
The body also responds to this constant state of anxiety. Physical symptoms often include:
| Physical Symptoms | How They Feel |
|---|---|
| Fatigue | Feeling tired despite adequate rest |
| Sleep problems | Trouble falling or staying asleep |
| Muscle tension | Tight, achy muscles, especially in neck and shoulders |
| Trembling | Shaking or twitching sensations |
| Jumpiness | Being easily startled |
| Digestive issues | Stomach upset, diarrhea, or irritable bowel |
| Sweating | Excessive perspiration even when not hot |
Sometimes anxiety appears without a clear trigger. A person might worry intensely about loved ones’ safety or feel a sense of impending doom without knowing why. These feelings can significantly disrupt daily life, affecting work, relationships, and social activities.
Worry topics often shift over time and may change with age and life circumstances.
Children and teens with GAD show different patterns of worry. They might be extremely concerned about:
- School performance or grades
- Sports competitions
- Family members’ wellbeing
- Being punctual
- Natural disasters or catastrophic events
Young people with GAD often display these behaviors:
- Striving for perfection
- Redoing work multiple times
- Spending too much time on homework
- Seeking constant reassurance
- Avoiding school or social events
- Complaining of stomach pain or other physical problems
While some anxiety is normal in life, it’s time to seek help when:
- Worries interfere with daily activities or relationships
- Anxiety comes with depression or substance use
- Thoughts of self-harm arise (requiring immediate emergency care)
Causes
Generalized anxiety disorder typically stems from a mix of factors rather than a single cause. These factors include:
- Brain chemistry differences that affect how the brain processes emotions and stress.
- Genetic factors that may increase risk when family members have anxiety disorders.
- Threat perception differences in how people interpret and respond to potential dangers.
- Personality development includes childhood experiences and learned coping mechanisms.
These elements often work together to influence anxiety development in unique ways for each person.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s chance of developing generalized anxiety disorder:
Personal Traits
- People with timid or negative temperaments may face higher risk
- Those who tend to avoid dangerous situations might be more vulnerable
Family History
- Generalized anxiety disorder often runs in families
- Genetic factors may play a role in its development
Life Events and Health Conditions
- Major life changes can trigger anxiety disorders
- Childhood trauma or negative experiences
- Recent traumatic events
- Ongoing medical conditions
- Other mental health disorders
Women receive this diagnosis more frequently than men.
Complications
Generalized anxiety disorder can greatly affect a person’s daily life. It may make it hard to focus on tasks, taking more time and energy than usual. This can limit how well someone functions at work, school, or home.
The disorder can also worsen physical health in several ways:
- Digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers
- Pain problems including headaches, migraines, and chronic pain
- Sleep difficulties such as insomnia
- Heart health concerns
People with generalized anxiety disorder often have other mental health conditions at the same time, including:
- Phobias
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Depression
These additional conditions can make treatment more complex. In serious cases, the disorder may lead to substance abuse problems or thoughts of suicide.
Without proper care, anxiety can drain a person’s energy and take focus away from enjoyable activities.
Prevention
Taking steps early can reduce anxiety symptoms and their impact on your life. Getting professional help as soon as you notice anxiety problems makes treatment more effective. Many people find relief by starting treatment before symptoms become severe.
Keeping a personal journal helps track your feelings and identify stress triggers. Write down your thoughts, worries, and what helps you feel calmer. This information can guide your self-care strategies.
Managing your time and energy wisely makes a big difference. Make a list of your responsibilities and decide which ones need immediate attention. Learning to say no to additional commitments when you’re already busy can prevent anxiety from worsening.
Avoid substances that can trigger or worsen anxiety:
- Alcohol
- Recreational drugs
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
These substances can increase anxiety symptoms or cause withdrawal symptoms that feel like anxiety. If you struggle to quit using these substances, talk to your doctor or join a support group for help.
