Clinical
Corner Ð Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
I always thought I was just a worrier. I'd feel keyed up and unable to
relax. At times it would come and go, and at times it would be constant. It
could go on for days. I'd worry about what I was going to fix for a dinner
party, or what would be a great present for somebody. I just couldn't let
something go."
"I'd have terrible sleeping problems. There were times I'd wake up
wired in the morning or in the middle of the night. I had trouble concentrating,
even reading the newspaper or a novel. Sometimes I'd feel a little lightheaded.
My heart would race or pound. And that would make me worry more.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is much more than the normal anxiety
people experience day to day. It is chronic and exaggerated worry and tension,
even though nothing seems to provoke it. Having this disorder means always
anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family,
or work. Sometimes, though, the source of the worry is hard to pinpoint. Simply
the thought of getting through the day provokes anxiety. People with GAD can't
seem to shake their concerns, even though they usually realize that their
anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants. People with GAD also seem
unable to relax. They often have trouble falling or staying asleep. Their
worries are accompanied by physical symptoms, especially trembling, pounding
heart, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, sweating, or hot flashes. They
may feel lightheaded or out of breath. They may feel nauseated or have to go to
the bathroom frequently. Many individuals with GAD startle more easily than
other people. They tend to feel tired, have trouble concentrating, and
sometimes suffer depression, too.
Depression often accompanies anxiety disorders and, when it does, it
needs to be treated as well. The feelings of sadness, apathy, or hopelessness,
changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating that often
characterize depression can be effectively treated with antidepressant
medications, and/or psychotherapy. People with more severe symptoms respond
best to a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Treatment can help the
majority of people with depression.
Usually the impairment associated with GAD is mild and people with the
disorder don't feel too restricted in social settings or on the job. Unlike
many other anxiety disorders, people with GAD don't characteristically avoid
certain situations as a result of their disorder. However, if severe, GAD can
be very debilitating, making it difficult to carry out even the most ordinary
daily activities. GAD comes on gradually and most often hits people in
childhood or adolescence, but can begin in adulthood, too. It's more common in
women than in men and often occurs in relatives of affected persons.
General Anxiety Disorder is diagnosed when someone spends at least 6
months worrying excessively about a number of everyday problems. In general,
the symptoms of GAD seem to diminish with age. Successful treatment may include
medication. Also useful are cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation
techniques, and biofeedback to control muscle tension.