• anxiety_

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder

    People with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) often worry excessively about things, even though there is little or nothing to provoke them. They anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about health issues, family problems, money, or difficulties at work.

    Sometimes, just thinking about getting through the day produces anxiety.

    A person is diagnosed as suffering from GAD if he worries excessively about everyday situations for at least six months. People with GAD cannot seem to get rid of their concerns even though they realise that their anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants.

    Some of the common experiences encountered by people with GAD include:

    • difficulty relaxing,
    • startle easily,
    • poor concentration,
    • difficulties sleeping or sleeping too much,
    • fatigue or tiredness,
    • headaches,
    • muscle tension,
    • muscle aches,
    • difficulty swallowing,
    • trembling,
    • twitching,
    • feeling irritable,
    • sweating,
    • nausea,
    • dizzy,
    • having to go to the bathroom frequently,
    • feeling out of breath and
    • hot flushes.

    If the anxiety level is mild, people with GAD can function socially and work. But when their anxiety is severe, they find themselves unable to carry out the simplest daily activities. They are paralysed with their fear and anxiety.

    Generalised anxiety disorder affects twice as many women as men. The disorder develops gradually and can begin at any point in time, although the years of highest risk are between childhood and middle age. It is often accompanied by other anxiety disorders, depression or substance abuse.

    If you suspect yourself, a friend or a family member of having GAD, and you wish to get help, please click here.


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