If constant worry is your constant companion, you may have GAD
If you tend to worry a lot, even when there’s no reason, you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD means that you are worrying constantly and can’t control it.
“Health care professionals diagnose GAD when your worrying happens on most days and for at least six months,” says Katherine Tsung, MD, LVPG Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry. GAD is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S.
Worrying may be something you are so used to. You may think it’s just how you are. Common worries include your health, money, family or work.
“Everyone worries about these things once in a while,” Tsung says. “But if you always expect the worst, it can get in the way of living a normal life.”
GAD begins slowly, often in childhood or the teen years. But it can begin in adulthood, too. It’s more common in women and often runs in families.
If you have GAD, you may also have another mental health condition such as depression.
“GAD can develop when you can’t cope well with your internal stress,” Tsung says. “But it’s not clear why some people get it and others don’t.” Experts have shown that the areas of the brain that control fear and anxiety are affected.
Sometimes the symptoms of GAD can happen as a side effect of a medicine or of substance abuse. It can also be linked to health conditions (such as hyperthyroidism) that increase hormones. This can make the body response more excitable. GAD can be triggered by family or environmental stress. Long-term illness and disease can also trigger GAD.
“If you have GAD, you likely know that your anxiety is more intense than the situation calls for,” Tsung says. “But still you can’t stop these unfounded concerns.” Each person’s symptoms may be a bit different. But these are the most common symptoms:
The symptoms of GAD may seem like other mental health conditions. Always see your primary care doctor or clinician for a diagnosis.
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
Treatment may include:
