Generalized anxiety disorder in adults
GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder, is a feeling of nervousness, like fear or worry, that can either be severe or mild. Everyone will develop anxiety at some stage; for example, it can be an exam, medical test, or job interview. During these times, being anxious is entirely normal, but few people may find it hard to control their fears or worries. Their feeling of anxiety can be more constant and have an impact on their daily lives, and it can also be a sign of several conditions like:
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Social anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms
GAD can cause physical and psychological symptoms, and it can vary from person to person, but it includes:
- Feeling worried or restless
- Having trouble sleeping (insomnia) or concentrating
- Heart palpitations or dizziness
Generalized anxiety disorder causes
The exact reasons for developing GAD are not fully understood, but it is more likely to be a combination of multiple factors that may include:
- Overactivity in brain emotion and behavior areas
- Imbalance of brain chemicals like noradrenaline and serotonin that help to control mood regulations
- Inherited genes from parents. You are five times more likely to develop GAD in you have a close relative with the same condition
- Having a history of any traumatic or stressful events such as child abuse, domestic violence, or bullying
- Having severe, painful long-term conditions
- Having a past of alcohol abuse or drugs
But multiple people tend to develop GAD for no apparent reason.
Generalized anxiety disorder self-help
- Take on a self-help course
- Quit smoking
- Practice regular exercise
- Lower your alcohol and caffeine intake
Generalized anxiety disorder treatments
GAD can have an impact on your regular life, but there are multiple treatments available to ease your symptoms, like:
- Psychological therapy
- Medicines (only when prescribed by a health professional)
Treatments help many people to control their anxiety levels, but some measures might need to continue for an extended period.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022