Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect 18.1% of the adult population. There are a number of different anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and others. Some anxiety disorders can be more easily identified than others because their symptoms are triggered by specific objects or situations, such as spiders or social situations, or because their symptoms are specific to the disorder, such as panic attacks or repetitive behaviors. But other anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are more difficult to recognize because their symptoms are broad and not easily associated with high levels of anxiety.
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder refers to a long-term condition involving persistent worry about a wide range of situations and issues. For each person, the exact anxiety triggers may be different, but the general experience is one of excessive worry about many different things.
In many cases, the person who suffers from generalized anxiety disorder may not see their symptoms as having anything to do with worry or anxiety. For example, a person who tends toward catastrophic thinking may believe that they’re just being smart by always considering and being prepared for the worst that can happen, without realizing that they’re practicing avoidance and isolating themselves in order to stay safe. Similarly, a person who has insomnia may think they merely have a problem with or sleep rather than anxiety.
One of the things that makes generalized anxiety disorder so tricky to identify is that the symptoms are often written off as something else entirely. Additionally, people who suffer from GAD often become so accustomed to their anxiety and worry that they may not even consider the possibility of feeling any differently. But it’s important to note that if left untreated, generalized anxiety disorder can increase the risk of substance abuse, depression, physical illnesses and suicide.
But how do you know if you have GAD? Take a look below at some of the warning signs of generalized anxiety disorder.
Warning signs of generalized anxiety disorder
Every person is different, and GAD will show up differently in each person as well. Whether or not you relate to specific signs on this list, they may help you begin to think about the differences between everyday stress and excessive anxiety. This list is not exhaustive, and it is not a diagnostic tool. The best way to determine whether you have any kind of anxiety disorder is to make an appointment to discuss it with a mental health professional. In the meantime, here are some of the warning signs of GAD:
- Persistent worry about everyday things
- A “worst case scenario” mindset
- Excessive worry about catastrophe
- Perceiving threats even where there are none
- Indecisiveness and fear around decision making
- Excessively anxious about job performance
- Overly preoccupied with job security
- Persistent worry about health
- Easily startled
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hyperalertness
- Feelings of restlessness and irritability
- Stomach pain, nausea, or digestive trouble
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Increased heart rate
- Trembling or shaking
In many cases, people with generalized anxiety disorder know that they worry excessively but find themselves unable to stop doing so. They may feel especially anxious at the thought of not worrying, as though they believe their worry is keeping them and their loved ones safe. Treatment is available, however, and for many people, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is effective for freeing them from the burden of their unhealthy anxiety. Unfortunately, not everyone finds relief from available treatment methods. Researchers continue to search for new and better ways to minimize or eliminate symptoms of anxiety for people who suffer from GAD.
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Synergy Research Centers is the leading clinical trial center in San Diego County. For 24 years, we have been evaluating participants and conducting trials of studies for psychiatric disorders and other neurological medical conditions. We offer inpatient and outpatient clinical research trials in San Diego. To find out if you’re eligible for one of our current studies, give us a call at (858) 539 -0282 or fill out our contact form today.