Anxiety

Everyone has moments when they feel worried or anxious. In fact, it is good to have a normal amount of anxiety about certain situations because this helps keep you safe from danger and it can make you be better at schoolwork and home life. However, if you feel anxious all the time and about everything then you are worrying so much you cannot live your daily life. If this sounds like you then it is possible you are affected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder. When you have this disorder you have unrealistic anxiety that may be excessive and much more intense than anyone would have in a similar situation. It is not easy to live with generalized anxiety disorder, but luckily treatment can help those living with the disease significantly. Psychotherapy along with medications may be helpful and they can reduce the symptoms enough to help you learn the necessary coping skills to manage your disorder and live your life.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms that may point to Generalized Anxiety Disorder. They may be severe or mild and not all symptoms will affect every person with the disorder. That is why it is important to see your doctor if you feel many of these symptoms apply to you.

Shortness of breath
Headache
Restlessness
Muscle tension
Feeling of being keyed up or on edge
Impatience
Difficulty concentrating
Stomachache
Fatigue
Feeling a lump in your throat
Irritability
Excessive sweating
Being easily distracted
Diarrhea
Trouble falling or staying asleep

People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder may not always feel so anxious that they are overwhelmed, but they will almost always feel quite anxious or uneasy. It is quite possible to feel on edge about everything in your life and worry about people’s safety. It may take a while to determine the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder because they do develop quite slowly when compared to similar disorders. However, this particular disorder usually begins at a very early age and that is also considered a symptom.

Causes

It is not known exactly what causes generalized anxiety disorder. That is similar to most mental health conditions. Researchers do think neurotransmitters play a role, but it is also believed there are many causes that work together to create this condition rather one particular cause.

Risk Factors

There are many common anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder phobias, and panic attacks. Generalized anxiety is also quite common and those who are affected generally trace their anxiety back to childhood. In general, women are more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than men are. It is not known whether more women are affected than men or if more women seek medical care. Some of the risk factors that have been attributed to generalized anxiety disorder include illness, childhood adversity, stress, genetics and personality.

Kids who witness traumatic events are more likely to suffer from this disorder. Those with serious illness like cancer where worry invades their lives also puts them at risk. Some personality types are more likely to develop general anxiety disorder as well. It is believed that genetics may play a role, too.

If you believe you may be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder it is important to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. There is no reason to live with the stress and anxiety that associates this disease and you truly can get your life back.