What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Everyone has felt nervous or anxious at some point in their life, but what happens when that worry becomes constant and uncontrollable? A person with anxiety that feels out of control may be diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety. This is a type of anxiety disorder that affects a person’s everyday life and often comes with uncomfortable symptoms. This disorder can be treated with the help of medical and mental health professionals.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety vary from person to person. Many people will find themselves worrying about family and friends, upcoming events, work, and health issues. This worry can range from feeling slightly on edge to feeling completely panicked like something devastating may happen. This worry might seem excessive to others, but often the person experiencing this worry will try to rationalize it. There may also be physical symptoms of Generalized Anxiety including sweating, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. Many people suffering from this disorder also find they have difficulty sleeping and that they have gastrointestinal issues.

This disorder progresses over time and will get worse if left untreated. It will affect a person’s everyday life. A person suffering from this disorder may stop doing things they used to enjoy, isolate themselves, have trouble going to work or school everyday, etc. The anxiety that comes with everyday things becomes too much for them to control and they will try to manage that by avoiding the situation.

Generalized Anxiety is often diagnosed by a medical professional when a person feels unable to control or stop their worry, when worry has been persistent for six months or more, and when they are displaying two or more symptoms of this disorder. The treatment for this disorder can depend on the person and the medical professional, but typically include some form of therapy and medication. Alternative treatments, such as meditation and yoga may also be used.

The main form of therapy used for treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder is CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This type of therapy is used to change thinking and behavior patterns. Along with therapy medication is often prescribed by a medical professional to help a person begin to manage anxiety. The type of medication depends on the severity of the anxiety, age, height and weight, medical history, etc. Many people find that alternative treatments help them manage their intense anxiety. Meditation and yoga allow a person to focus in the moment, instead of focusing on worry.

Generalized Anxiety affects many people, ranging from children to the elderly. If you or someone you know might be suffering with Generalized Anxiety Disorder please seek help from a medical professional.