Everyone feels anxious at times, especially when it comes to things like work, money, family, or health. However, feeling anxious is not the same as having an anxiety disorder. For people that live with true anxiety disorders, the symptoms are much more pronounced than occasional worry or fear. Rather, these individuals experience persistent, uncontrollable anxiety that interferes with daily living.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder, characterized by chronic, excessive worry about everyday things, often without a clear reason. People with GAD find it hard to control their anxiety, even though they realize that their concerns may be irrational.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with GAD, it’s helpful to understand this disorder in more detail and the treatment and coping strategies available. The good news is that we know a lot more about anxiety disorders, and with proper support, you can lead a full and happy life.
What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
GAD affects about 6.8 million individuals each year, making it the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder. It involves chronic worry about everyday things (e.g., health, finances, relationships) and lasts at least six months. The main symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
Living with GAD can be extremely difficult because of the excessive worry, the inability to control this worry, and the way people respond. For instance, some people believe that individuals with GAD blow things out of proportion or fake their symptoms to get attention. This is definitely NOT the case. People with GAD experience significant distress and even physical symptoms.
In fact, GAD can be so severe, it can stop people from functioning in their everyday life. Some may even suffer in silence, especially since you can’t “see” all of the symptoms (e.g., intrusive thoughts, heart palpitations). Telling a person with GAD to just calm down isn’t helpful and can actually make them feel worse.
How is GAD Diagnosed?
Generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and medical history, and potentially run additional tests to rule out other potential causes of anxiety, such as hypothyroidism, depression, or panic disorder. To help make an accurate diagnosis, healthcare professionals rely on meeting specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5.
What Treatments Work for GAD?
Once you receive a GAD diagnosis, treatment is the next step. GAD is a treatable condition, though it can take some time to find the right balance of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Sadly, less than half (43.2%) of people with GAD receive treatment. This means that millions of people are suffering when they don’t have to.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective form of therapy, as it helps individuals challenge and reframe anxious thoughts. Medications like SSRIs and SNRIs can help balance brain chemistry, helping you to feel better and learn essential coping skills. Additionally, mindfulness relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes can reduce stress and improve resilience.
What is the Outlook?
Many people with GAD experience significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life once they receive the right treatment. The goals of anxiety treatment are to decrease excessive worry, improve functioning, and help individuals regain control of their life. While GAD is a chronic condition, it can be well-managed with ongoing care. However, it is possible to experience flare-ups, especially during times of high-stress.
People are often relieved to receive a GAD diagnosis, as it explains why they are experiencing such intense fear and worry over everyday things. The sooner GAD is identified and treated, the better the long-term outlook. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and reduce the risk of complications like depression or substance use.
Get Help for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Spearhead Health can help you find the right treatment for your needs. With us, you’re not limited to one track of treatment; our team will work closely with you to find the right approach while ensuring you receive regular monitoring and ongoing care. Contact us today at (310) 561-1704 and take the first steps to effectively managing your anxiety disorder.