May

1

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Overview

May 1, 2008 |

Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms are classified as having one central feature. That feature includes excessive worry and anxiety. Typically, individuals who suffer from GAD are found to worry for a majority of the days out of a month for a period of at least six months. These individuals may worry about a number of different activities or events. In addition, the person may commonly find it difficult to control their worry. While persons who do not suffer from GAD are able to put their worry and anxiety on hold in order to deal with normal daily activities, GAD sufferers are not able to do so. As a result, their worry and anxiety interferes with their daily lives. In many cases, the worry even becomes debilitating.

Classic GAD is also commonly associated with three or more other related symptoms that persist most of the time for a period of at least six months. These generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include:

• Feeling keyed up, on edge or restless

• Difficulty concentrating

• Easily fatigued

• Irritability

• Muscle tension

• Sleep disturbances

The focus of the worry and anxiety in generalized anxiety disorder does not usually revolve around any one specific activity or event. For example, with individuals suffering from panic disorder, sufferers commonly worry about being embarrassed in public or of having a panic attack. This is not the case with generalized anxiety disorder. In GAD, sufferers may worry over the same things that everyone else worries about; money, family, health, work, etc. The main difference is the intensity of the worry.

It should be noted that while researchers are not sure of the cause of generalized anxiety disorder they do know that it is not causes by the effects of substance abuse or a general medical condition; although it can be aggravated by substance abuse and can make other existing health conditions worse. At this time researchers believe that generalized anxiety disorder may run in families.

Regardless of the cause, it is important to know that there are positive steps you can take to reduce the symptoms of GAD.

First, work on developing coping skills to help you deal with the symptoms. Joining a support group is a great way to do this. Focus on developing relaxation skills that can help you deal with the intensity of your anxiety and worry, such as deep breathing exercises. A support group can also help you to understand the dynamics of GAD and how it can affect other aspects of your life.

It is also important to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat a well balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Get plenty of exercise. Drink a sufficient amount of water and cut down on caffeinated beverages. Go to bed at the same time each night and be sure to get enough sleep.

Taking the time to understand generalized anxiety disorder symptoms and looking for positive steps you can take will allow you to begin living a more normal life.

A 10 year survivor reveals how he dismantled anxiety
and panic attacks without medications and expensive treatments.

Learn how he did it at..http://www.selfsteps.com

Related Posts


Comments

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind