Generalised Anxiety Disorder

What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Everybody worries at times. But in the case of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), an Anxiety disorder, the person's worries are much more than normal day-to-day anxiety. They are excessive, unrealistic, chronic and relentless.

People with GAD usually expect the worse and worry excessively about everyday life circumstances (such as their health, job, raising of children or finances), or minor matters (such as household chores or renovations - even just getting through the day becomes problematic).

The focus of worry can shift from one concern to another. At times the source is evident but the reaction is disproportionate to the actual likelihood or impact of the feared event. At other times the source of the anxiety and worry is hard to pinpoint.

It is common for children and adolescents with GAD to worry about their competence and performance at school or in extra-mural activities. They may need more reassurance about their performance than other children.

Individuals with GAD usually suffer physical symptoms as well. These symptoms may include headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, dizziness, sweating, nausea, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing and diarrhoea. They may also need to go to the toilet more frequently.

Sufferers tend to be irritable and complain of feeling on edge, struggling to sleep, being easily fatigued and/or finding it difficult to concentrate. They may also startle more easily than other people.

GAD often coexists with other psychiatric problems such as another anxiety disorder, depression and substance abuse.

People with GAD cannot "snap out of it" and seem unable to relax. They may realise that their worry is excessive but find it difficult to control it.

Unlike people with several of the other anxiety disorders, people with GAD don't characteristically avoid situations as a result of the disorder.

However, GAD can be distressing and can significantly interfere with a person's functioning in various aspects of the person's life. Fortunately, medication and psychotherapy can greatly improve quality of life.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually have an insidious onset. The symptoms may differ slightly from person to person. Some may experience more cognitive symptoms (such as worry or difficulty concentrating), others may be plagued more by physical symptoms (such as restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and disturbed sleep).

The symptoms are usually worse during stressful times and grow progressively worse if not treated.