Do you often worry about everyday problems for no apparent reason? Are you always waiting for disaster to strike or worrying too much about things like health, money, family, work, or school?
If so, you may have a type of anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder. This disorder can make you feel as if your daily life is in a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. The good news is that generalized anxiety disorder can be treated. Learn more about the symptoms of this disorder and how to find help.
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things like health problems, money, or family. However, people with generalized anxiety disorder worry extremely or feel very nervous more often about these and other things, even when there is little or no reason to worry.
Usually, this disorder involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread that interferes with the way you lead your life. It is not the same as occasionally worrying about things or feeling anxious because of stressful life events. People who have this disorder often feel anxious for months or even years.
Generalized anxiety disorder develops slowly. It often begins around age 30, although it can also occur in childhood. The disorder is more common in women than in men.
What are the signs and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?
People with this disorder may:
- worry too much about everyday things;
- have trouble controlling their worries or feelings of nervousness;
- be aware that they worry much more than they should;
- feel restless or have difficulty relaxing;
- having trouble concentrating;
- being easily startled;
- having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep;
- get tired easily or feel tired all the time;
- have headaches, muscle or stomach aches, or unexplained discomfort;
- having difficulty swallowing;
- have tremors or tics (nervous movements);
- feeling irritable or on edge;
- sweating a lot, feeling dizzy or short of breath;
- having to go to the bathroom often.
Often, children and adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder worry excessively about:
- their performance, such as in school or sports;
- catastrophic events, such as earthquakes or wars;
- the health of others, such as family members.
Often, adults with this disorder become extremely nervous about everyday situations such as:
- job security or their job performance;
- health;
- finances;
- the health and well-being of their children and other family members;
- falling behind;
- completing household chores and fulfilling other responsibilities.
Both children and adults with a generalized anxiety disorder may have physical symptoms that make it difficult to function and interfere with daily life, such as pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
Symptoms may improve or worsen over time and are often worse during times of stress, such as with a physical illness, at school exam time, or during family or personal relationship conflict. If you are looking for some tips and ideas about the best cbd for anxiety uk, then visit their page for further information.
What causes generalized anxiety disorder?
The risk of generalized anxiety disorder may be inherited. Various parts of the brain and biological processes play a key role in fear and anxiety. By learning more about how the brain and body work in people with anxiety disorders, researchers can develop better treatments. Researchers have also found that external causes, such as going through a traumatic event or being in a stressful environment, can increase the risk of developing a generalized anxiety disorder.
