Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

It's normal to feel nervous or anxious once in awhile in anticipation of, say, giving a speech or presentation. But when anxiety, fear or dread are overwhelming to the point that you start to avoid everyday activities, you might have generalized anxiety. About 4 million U.S. adults suffer yearly with GAD.

Signs & symptoms

People with GAD often develop it an early age. Symptoms can progress more slowly than with other anxiety disorders. GAD sufferers can have many symptoms in varying combinations and degree of intensity, including:

• Restlessness, impatience
• Feeling on edge
• Difficulty concentrating, easily distracted
• Headache, muscle tension
• Fatigue
• Irritability with no apparent cause
• Sleeping problems
• Sweating, shortness of breath
• Stomachache, diarrhea

Who's at risk?

Those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are more likely than others to develop GAD and other anxiety disorders. Other factors that increase risk include:

• Built up stress
• Personality type or disorder that is prone to anxiety
• Family history of anxiety disorder

Professional help

Many people don't get help for anxiety disorders, either because they don't understand their condition is treatable, or because they worry about what family, friends or coworkers will think. But anxiety disorders can be successfully treated with therapy and medication, in combination or alone.

If you have symptoms of GAD, talk to your doctor or other health professional.

Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.

What you can do

In addition to treatment, here are some ways you can reduce your level of anxiety:

• Try not to dwell on the past. Change what you can and let the rest go.
• Take a walk when you feel anxious. Focus on a hobby or other interest.
• Get enough rest, eat right and find time to relax. Stay away from caffeine and nicotine. Don't rely on alcohol or unprescribed drugs to relieve symptoms.
• Get perspective by talking with a close family member, friend or counselor.
• Consider joining a support group.

Tips if a loved one or friend has been diagnosed with GAD:

• If the person is going through a difficult period, don't expect too much
• Be flexible but try to stick to a normal routine
• Recovery is hard on family and friends, too, so get support from others around you
• Learn as much as you can about the condition. Read more about anxiety disorders:
  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Phobias
  • Post traumatic stress disorder

Talk with a case manager

If you need extra help - perhaps because you are dealing with additional health risks - a Priority Health case manager will help you:

• Send you educational materials
• Work with your doctor if necessary
• Answer questions and offer support
  Contact a case manager now.