Conditions Generalized anxiety disorder

It is normal to sometimes feel anxious or to experience fear. In the case of danger, fear has an important protective function – fear puts people in a state of readiness so that they can react quickly, for example in critical situations while driving. Worries and anxieties about the future, work, or family can also provide protection – for example, against acting recklessly and getting into a difficult situation.

However, when worry and fear take control, they can become a source of stress. People of any age can suddenly find that their lives are entirely consumed by fear and anxiety. When these fears overshadow everything and never go away, it could be a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

People with an anxiety disorder typically know that their fears are excessive. However, they cannot control these anxieties and they find it difficult to overcome this condition on their own. Various treatment options can help.

Generalized anxiety disorder can be expressed both emotionally and physically. The mental symptoms include persistent, irrational, and exaggerated fears. Those affected are not just afraid of specific threats or situations.

Their anxiety relates to a wide range of areas of their life. As the anxiety may be experienced in relation to anything at all and does not have any specific triggers, experts refer to it as “generalized anxiety”.

For example, a person with a generalized anxiety disorder may suddenly start to worry that their child could be involved in a car accident on the way to school. This thought immediately leads to anxiety about their partner getting into an accident on the way to work. Which in turn causes them to worry that they themselves could have a heart attack.

People with this type of anxiety disorder can experience worry about practically anything. These persistent fears greatly impact daily life or even make normal life impossible. They can also lower mood and lead to depression.

Additional possible symptoms include:

• dazed feeling
• nervousness
• dizziness
• trembling
• sweating
• muscle tension
• pounding heartbeat
• gastric distress

Being in a constant state of anxiety can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia. The risk of suicide may increase, especially if depression is experienced alongside the anxiety.

If a person experiences fear in certain situations only, this is unlikely to be due to a generalized anxiety disorder. Although sudden-onset anxiety and panic attacks are not characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder, they can sometimes also be additional symptoms.

The cause of generalized anxiety disorder is not yet fully understood. Both biological and psychological factors are likely to play a role.

Some people with a generalized anxiety disorder have experienced a major traumatic event during childhood or later in life or have suffered a major loss. In addition, many highly stressful experiences, such as significant family stress or persistently extreme workloads can also be factors.

Life crises can also trigger anxiety that can develop into generalized anxiety disorder. There may be a hereditary component that can increase the risk of developing the disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder is sometimes the result of another condition – such as depression or a panic disorder. Generalized anxiety disorders can be associated with addictive disorders. However, they can also occur without an identifiable cause.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a common anxiety disorder. It is estimated that about 5 percent of all people receive this diagnosis at some point in their lives. Women are affected twice as often as men. Most anxiety disorders begin in adults of middle age – but sometimes also in childhood or only in old age.

Generalized anxiety disorder typically develops slowly and is often initially not noticeable. Only gradually do the symptoms increasingly restrict daily life.

A severe anxiety disorder can be very persistent. It often takes months or years to overcome. The people affected often experience better and worse phases.

Over the long term, the percentage of people who overcome their anxiety is high. According to one study, approximately one fourth of those taking part were able to overcome their anxiety disorder after two years.

The symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can resemble other mental health conditions such as phobias, panic attacks or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many people with an anxiety disorder also have signs of depression.

Therefore, generalized anxiety disorder can be difficult to diagnose and can only be determined in a detailed discussion with trained specialists. This can be a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

To select a suitable treatment, it is important to determine the main symptoms and problems.

The diagnosis of “generalized anxiety disorder” is made when the excessive worries:

• last at least 6 months and are present on most days
• become uncontrollable
• are so stressful that they affect daily life
• are associated with at least three physical symptoms, such as accelerated pulse, trembling, muscle tension, or stomach problems

It can take a while to definitively diagnose generalized anxiety disorder. Often, people with a generalized anxiety disorder initially consult a doctor because of physical symptoms. As a result, only one symptom of the disorder may be treated in some cases, e.g. sleep disturbances.

There are various ways to get an anxiety disorder under control over time. People can find ways to deal more effectively with anxiety and stress. Medication represents another option for alleviating symptoms. However, a generalized anxiety disorder is not something that can be overcome quickly and easily.

There are four different approaches to treatment:

• Physiological and psychotherapeutic treatments: such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients learn to manage or change their thoughts and fears.
• Relaxation techniques: these include autogenic training and progressive muscle relaxation or breathing exercises. These techniques can contribute to better relaxation and stress management. They are often also offered as part of psychotherapeutic treatment.
• Medication: certain antidepressants are primarily considered for generalized anxiety disorder. Some people also use a natural relaxant, like valerian or chamomile.
• Self-help: people can share their personal experience with others in self-help groups. Some people find it helpful to be well-informed about the condition and read books, brochures, or information on the Internet.

For more detailed information, for example about treatment options for generalized anxiety disorder, see gesundheitsinformation.de.