What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition that makes you worry so much that gets in the way of you living your life. When you have GAD, you might spend the majority of your time worrying about things like your health, money, family, work, school, or other things — often without cause.
Everyone feels anxiety sometimes, but with GAD, worrying feels constant. The anxiety you feel might even make it hard to socialize or do everyday tasks at work or school. It can also put a strain on your relationships. But, generalized anxiety disorder can be addressed, and a wide range of treatments can help anyone experiencing GAD live with less fear and more joy.
Signs & symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder
SymptomsWhile GAD primarily affects the way you think, it can also have physical symptoms. Everyone experiences GAD differently, but these are the most common symptoms.
Generalized anxiety disorder mental symptoms:
- Ongoing worry
- Tension
- Overthinking
- Thinking about worst-case scenarios frequently (Catastrophizing)
- Seeing events, moments, or scenarios as threatening regardless of reality
- Restlessness
- Feeling fearful in safe situations
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Poor concentration
- Inability to relax
Generalized anxiety disorder physical symptoms:
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle tension or twitching
- Muscle aches
- Soreness
- Fatigue
- Trembling
- Headaches or migraines
- Hot flashes
- Lightheadedness
- Trouble breathing
- Being easily startled
- Feeling the need to go to the bathroom frequently
- Nausea, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome
- Sweating
Signs and symptoms in children and teenagers:
- Being a perfectionist
- Overly worried about fitting in socially
- Spending too much time on homework or schoolwork
- Redoing tasks repeatedly
- Seeking approval
- Lack of confidence
- Stomach aches
- Headaches
- Needing constant reassurance
- Avoiding social events
What causes generalized anxiety disorder?
CausesWhile doctors don’t know what causes GAD exactly, we know that the parts of the brain that control fear and anxiety are affected and that it is more common among women. GAD is believed to be a result of genetic, biological, and environmental factors— but you’re more likely to be diagnosed with GAD if you have a close relative (Ex: sibling or parent) with it. GAD symptoms usually appear in childhood or adolescence but can also appear in adulthood, too.
Factors that may put you at higher risk for developing GAD:
- Stress and traumatic events. Trauma and stressful events can trigger generalized anxiety disorder. Physical or emotional abuse, the death of a loved one, divorce, and changing your environment (changing jobs or schools) may contribute to GAD.
- Chronic illness. Certain chronic illnesses and diseases can also lead to GAD. Conditions like hyperthyroidism cause anxiety because they increase your hormones, leading to more excitable reactions and responses.
- Medication side effects. With certain medicines or substance abuse disorders, anxiety can be a symptom. Check-in with your doctor if you think that your medicine is causing increased anxiety.
- Genes. Research suggests your family history can affect your chances of having GAD. No genes have been identified, but families may pass down a likelihood of developing GAD through lifestyle or environment.
How is generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed?
DiagnosisProviders may use the criteria within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to diagnose generalized anxiety disorder. Your provider will ask questions about your medical and mental health history to assess your symptoms. You might also get a physical exam so your doctor can rule out any physical illnesses that might be causing your symptoms.
These tests may include:
- Various blood tests
- Heart testing (echocardiogram)
- Drug testing
To be diagnosed with GAD, your symptoms should appear almost daily and be present for at least 6 months.
How is general anxiety disorder treated?
TreatmentAfter you are diagnosed with GAD, you can be treated with psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, or both depending on your specific needs.
Treatment may include:
- Medication (benzodiazepines or antidepressants)
- Counseling (cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy)
- Learning relaxation techniques
- Strategies to help with coping skills
- Lifestyle changes to reduce stress
- Quitting smoking or drug use
- Exercise
- Biofeedback (electrical pads that gather information about your body)
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as reducing your consumption of alcohol and caffeine or exercising more frequently which can help lower stress and boost your mood.
FAQs
FAQHow can I reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?
If you have generalized anxiety disorder, along with medical treatment, you can also manage the condition with a healthy lifestyle and coping mechanisms learned through therapy.
How common is generalized anxiety disorder?
About 5.7% of adults in the U.S. have experienced generalized anxiety disorder. GAD affects 1% of children and 3% of adolescents.
Can I live a normal life after being diagnosed with GAD?
Yes. Once you learn strategies to control your symptoms and receive treatment, you can live a normal life with less worry.
The Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian
Get CareThe Center for Youth Mental Health is a rich resource, bringing together doctors from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Weill Cornell Medicine to lead research and treatment programs that give young people the care they need. Learn more.