Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is excessive anxiety that interferes with day to day life. Women, those with timid or negative personalities, and those with a genetic predisposition are more likely to develop GAD. These are the possible symptoms, taken from the Mayo Clinic website:

Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms can vary. They may include:

·         Persistent worrying or obsession about small or large concerns that's out of proportion to the impact of the event

·         Inability to set aside or let go of a worry

·         Inability to relax, restlessness, and feeling keyed up or on edge

·         Difficulty concentrating, or the feeling that your mind "goes blank"

·         Worrying about excessively worrying

·         Distress about making decisions for fear of making the wrong decision

·         Carrying every option in a situation all the way out to its possible negative conclusion

·         Difficulty handling uncertainty or indecisiveness

Physical signs and symptoms may include:

·         Fatigue

·         Irritability

·         Muscle tension or muscle aches

·         Trembling, feeling twitchy

·         Being easily startled

·         Trouble sleeping

·         Sweating

·         Nausea, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome

·         Headaches

In addition to the symptoms above, children and teenagers who have generalized anxiety disorder may have excessive worries about:

·         Performance at school or sporting events

·         Being on time (punctuality)

·         Earthquakes, nuclear war or other catastrophic events

A child or teen with generalized anxiety disorder may also:

·         Feel overly anxious to fit in

·         Be a perfectionist

·         Redo tasks because they aren't perfect the first time

·         Spend excessive time doing homework

·         Lack confidence

·         Strive for approval

·         Require a lot of reassurance about performance

GAD can be treated with medication or psychotherapy (talk therapy). Staying physically active, eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, using relaxation techniques, quitting smoking, and avoiding coffee and alcohol can also be helpful. It is important to talk to a doctor before taking herbal remedies or supplements because they can possibly be harmful to the body.

(http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/basics/definition/con-20024562)