Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common chronic mental health diagnoses affecting adolescents and adults (and even kids!). This article will give you an overview of generalized anxiety disorder, how it manifests, and how it can be treated. About 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population , yet only 43.2% affected by GAD are receiving treatment. NIMH: Generalized Anxiety Disorder. (1)

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that can cause you to feel nervous, anxious, or on edge, have difficulty controlling worry, have difficulty relaxing, worry too much about different things, be highly restless, OR have a hard time being still, feeling irritable and feeling afraid as if something terrible will happen. Often, to receive a GAD diagnosis, fear and anxiety symptoms must be present for at least six months.

Diagnostic Criteria of GAD

To diagnose generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a mental health professional will typically consider the following diagnostic criteria (2):

• Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge

• Not being able to stop or control worrying

• Worrying too much about different things

• Trouble relaxing

• Being so restless that it is hard to sit still

• Becoming easily annoyed or irritable

• Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen

Just so you know, these are just general guidelines, and a mental health professional will consider various factors when diagnosing GAD. It is also important to remember that GAD is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and symptoms can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing symptoms of GAD, it is essential to talk to a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. 

Frequently, a specific event does not cause anxiety. Instead, it occurs regularly and with little or no trigger. However, you may worry about future events and their meaning. As a result, you may feel stressed out even when there is no reason to be.

There are many causes of GAD, but most people with GAD have a specific way of thinking that leads them to worry excessively about everyday events and activities. Many types of thinking are connected to an increase in anxiety and can include:

• Catastrophizing. This can make you feel like your life is out of control. So it is when we blow something way out of proportion to what is happening.

• Fortune-Telling. This is when we convince ourselves that we know the outcome of a situation.

• Labeling. This is when we judge ourselves (or others) as a way to discredit ourselves. This can sound like “I’m so stupid” or “I’m not good enough.”

• Polarization. This is when we start to get into black-and-white thinking and overly simplify. An example would be, “I have to get 100 on this test, or I’m a loser.”

You may be stunned at how much this thinking can affect your life. Many people with GAD also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension or fatigue, muscle spasms, and nausea.

If you are experiencing these symptoms causing significant discomfort or interfering with your daily life, talking to a mental health professional is essential.

Related Topic: Overcome Negative Thinking Patterns

What is the leading cause of GAD?

The same root of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is not fully understood, but it is considered to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some research suggests that GAD may be inherited, with specific genes increasing a person's risk of developing it. Other possible causes of GAD include chronic stress, traumatic life events, and imbalances in brain chemicals that regulate mood. However, more research is essential to understand the causes of GAD fully. It is important to remember that GAD is not the result of personal weakness or a character flaw; it is not something a person can "snap out of." Treatment from a mental health professional can be effective in helping manage the symptoms of GAD. (3)

Is GAD a severe mental illness?

Yes, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a severe anxiety disorder. GAD can be distressing for the person experiencing it and can interfere with daily activities and relationships. If untreated, GAD can lead to other mental health complications, such as depression, substance abuse, and social isolation. Therefore, seeking treatment from a mental health professional is essential if you think you may have GAD. Treatment for GAD can effectively reduce symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.

How do you calm down generalized anxiety?

If you are experiencing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), there are a few things you can do to calm down and manage your symptoms. These may include:

1. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

2. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve mood.

3. Getting enough sleep, as sleep deprivation can worsen anxiety.

4. Keeping away from or limiting caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety.

5. Engaging in activities you enjoy and helping you relax, such as listening to music or spending time outdoors.

6. Avoiding or limiting exposure to triggers that may cause anxiety, such as specific news programs or social media

7. Seeking support from friends, family, or a support group.

8. Talk to a mental health professional who can help you develop a treatment plan and provide support and guidance.

It is important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it may test you to find the best techniques and strategies for you.

Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. The most commonly used treatments for GAD are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. (4)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help people with GAD learn new coping skills and change negative thought patterns. In CBT, a person works with a therapist to identify and modify the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contributing to anxiety.

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can also be effective in reducing symptoms of GAD. These medications can help balance brain chemicals that regulate mood, leading to improved symptoms. Working with a mental health professional is essential to find the proper medication and dosage for your needs. Some people think that taking medication means that we’ve failed. This is untrue! Drugs can be used in the interim to help us get through difficult times in our lives, and they don’t need to be used for an entire lifetime. Often, if we are willing to engage in therapy and do the hard work, we can be on them temporarily. Please don’t feel like you’ve failed at anything if you need to consider using medication to help you.

Other treatments may be recommended, such as alternative therapies such as acupuncture or herbal remedies or lifestyle changes such as stress-reduction techniques or exercise. Again, working with your mental health professional to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals is essential.

With Phoenix Rising Centers' mental health providers, we can help you manage your GAD by providing therapies that best fit your needs.

References:

1. Facts & Statistics | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. [online]. Available at: https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics#:~:text=%2D%20GAD%20affects%206.8%20million%20adults,NIMH%3A%20Generalized%20Anxiety%20Disorder...

2. DSM5 Diagnostic Criteria Generalized Anxiety Disorder. [online] images.pearsonclinical.com. Available at: http://images.pearsonclinical.com/images/assets/basc-3/basc3resources/DSM5_DiagnosticCriteria_GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder.pdf [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].

3. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | Johns Hopkins Medicine. [online] hopkinsmedicine.org. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/generalized-anxiety-disorder#:~:text=What%20causes%20GAD%3F,fear%20and%20anxiety%20are%20involved. [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].

4. Treatment - Generalised anxiety disorder in adults - NHS. [online] nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/treatment/ [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].