Condition Basics
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder occurs when you feel worried and stressed about many everyday events and activities. Often the things you are worried about might be small things, but you cannot control the worry. This type of worry disrupts your life most days. Everyone gets worried or anxious at times. But people with generalized anxiety disorder have more than normal everyday worries.
Many people who have generalized anxiety disorder have physical symptoms. These can include having headaches, feeling nauseated, or being tired all the time.
Anyone can get generalized anxiety disorder at any age. But it usually starts when you are a child or teen. Most people with this disorder have felt nervous or anxious as long as they can remember. Women are twice as likely as men to have the problem.
What causes it?
The cause of generalized anxiety disorder is not known. Most experts believe that genetics or traumatic life events may be a cause.
What are the symptoms?
Generalized anxiety disorder can make you feel worried and stressed about many things almost every day. You may have a hard time controlling your worry.
Symptoms include:
- Feeling tired or cranky. You may have a hard time concentrating.
- Having headaches or muscle aches.
- Feeling shaky, sweating, or having hot flashes.
- Feeling lightheaded, sick to your stomach, or out of breath.
- Feeling like you can't relax. Or being startled easily.
- Having problems falling or staying asleep.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your health and how often you worry or feel anxious. People with generalized anxiety disorder have a hard time controlling their worry and anxiety. They feel worried and stressed about many things almost every day. The worry can cause problems in relationships, work, and life. And these feelings of worry have lasted for at least 6 months.
Your doctor also may ask about other symptoms, like whether you:
- Feel restless.
- Feel tired.
- Have a hard time thinking or feel that your mind goes blank.
- Feel cranky.
- Have tense muscles.
- Have sleep problems.
A physical exam and tests can help make sure that your symptoms aren't caused by a different condition, such as a thyroid problem.
How is generalized anxiety disorder treated?
Counseling and medicine can both work to treat anxiety. The two are often used along with lifestyle changes.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of counseling that's used to help treat anxiety. In CBT, you learn how to notice and replace thoughts that make you feel worried. It also can help you learn how to relax when you worry.
Applied relaxation therapy may also be used. Your counselor might ask you to imagine a calming situation. This can help you relax.
Medicines can help. These medicines are often also used for depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often tried first. But there are other medicines that your doctor may use. You may need to try a few medicines to find one that works well. And it may take some time before you start to notice the medicines working.
Many people feel better by getting regular exercise, eating healthy meals, and getting good sleep. Mindfulness—focusing on things in the present moment—also can help reduce your anxiety.
