Most people have heard of anxiety disorder, but few know of the less extreme condition known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
We all have "normal" worries in our lives, but when you have GAD, your worries are out of line with reality and can sometimes hinder you from functioning normally or being able to relax.
The worry is also chronic.
The general rule of thumb is if a person shows generalized anxiety disorder symptoms more days than they do not in a 6 month period, it is time to seek professional help.
There are a wide variety of symptoms, and it is important to understand that each person displays his or her GAD slightly differently.
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms can be both physical and psychological.
The ones in the latter group are common with any kind of anxiety.
A person with generalized anxiety disorder will be more irritable than usual.
He will have feelings of dread which will prevent him from concentrating on any task.
The inability to control anxious thoughts also creates an inability to relax.
This person will also have an irrational fear of being rejected.
If a person experiences any of these symptoms more often than he does not, he may want to be checked for GAD.
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms that are physical in nature can be divided into a few categories.
First the disorder can affect the muscular system.
The anxiety settles in the muscles, causing tension, aches, and soreness.
This constant physical discomfort, added to the psychological symptoms, results in the person having difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.
It is also possible for GAD to affect a person's digestive system.
The disorder can manifest itself through general stomach pain, as well as nausea and diarrhea.
Someone with GAD may also find himself going to the bathroom more frequently.
These symptoms alone can easily prevent the person from handling routine daily activities well.
The nervous system can also experience slight malfunction in someone with GAD.
Suffering from the disorder can cause trembling, jumpiness, twitching, and an overall restlessness.
Excessive sweating and hot flashes can be common as well.
These are signs of anyone with a general nervousness, which is essentially what generalized anxiety disorder is.
Lastly, the physical complications of GAD can attack the body's neurological system.
The afflicted person will often experience feeling lightheaded and short of breath.
These can lead to him feeling exhausted and tiring easily.
These can be symptoms of many conditions, but combined with other information, can help someone determine if GAD is a possible issue.
Most victims of generalized anxiety disorder can still go to work and be involved in social situations.
As could be expected, it is more commonly found in women than men.
If diagnosed, GAD can be treated, mostly with self-help techniques and psychological therapy.
In extreme cases medication can help, but is typically used as a last resort.
Simple things like eliminating caffeine, exercising more often, and an improved diet can keep the physical symptoms at bay, but will not actually eliminate the disorder itself.
If you or someone you know displays a handful of the generalized anxiety disorder symptoms listed above, on a regular and extended basis, it may be time to discuss GAD with a doctor.