Generalized Disorder

The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organiza- tion whose mission is to promote the prevention, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders and to I worry about everything, improve the lives of all people who suffer from them. Help ADAA help others. Donate now at www. even when there is nothing adaa.org. “to worry about. I’m always restless, on edge, irritable, For information visit www.adaa.org or contact Anxiety Disorders Association of America and waiting for the other 8730 Georgia Ave., Suite 600 shoe to drop. Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: 240-485-1001 ” Anxiety Disorders Association of America What is generalized What’s the difference between anxiety disorder? normal anxiety and GAD? Normal Anxiety GAD We all worry. Relationships, deadlines, Worry about a specific Constant, chronic, being on time to an appointment – you event, such as a and unsubstantiated name it, there’s plenty in life to worry work deadline, school worry causing about. But people with generalized anxiety exam, or upcoming significant , disorder, or GAD, experience persistent, medical appointment disrupting social excessive, and unrealistic worry that goes activities and interfer- on every day, possibly all day. They feel it’s ing with work, school, or family beyond their control. Difficulty relaxing, Edginess, irritability, People with GAD often expect the worst, sleeping, or concentrating , or difficulty even when there is no reason for any when faced with a serious concentrating more concern. Their worrying occurs on more problem such as an days than not for days than not for at least six months and illness, job loss, or death no apparent reason often concerns , family, money, or of a loved one work. The exaggerated, unrelenting wor- rying interferes with every day living. Muscle aches, tension, Restlessness, muscle Physical symptoms often accompany tiredness related to aches and pain, and it and include restlessness, irritability, an activity or situation fatigue not related to such as overexertion a specific physical or muscle tension, fatigue, and difficulty at the gym, a stressful emotional problem sleeping or concentrating. day at work, or sitting persisting for six too long at the computer months or more

About Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is normal. It helps us get out of harm’s way The term “anxiety disorders” refers to generalized and prepare for important events. anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive dis- It warns us when we need to take action. But order (OCD), , posttraumatic stress if you have anxiety that is persistent, irrational, and disorder (PTSD), disorder, and spe- overwhelming and interferes with daily activities, cific . you may have an anxiety disorder. For more information, visit www.adaa.org.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America www.adaa.org What treatments are available? Most people who seek treatment for GAD and other anxiety disorders see significant improvement and enjoy a better quality of life. A variety of treat- ment options exists, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), , anxiety manage- ment, and . One or a combination of these may be recommended. Learn more about I was so relieved when my treatment options at www.adaa.org. doctor put a name to my There is no single best treatment. What works for problem, to discover that one person may not be the best choice for some- there are other people like one else. A course of treatment should be tailored to your individual needs. Ask your doctor to explain “ me, to learn that why a particular type of treatment is being recom- there is hope. mended, what other options are available, and what you need to do to fully participate in your recovery. How can GAD affect your life?” How can ADAA help you? Generalized anxiety disorder can affect all areas Suffering from GAD or any anxiety disorder can of life, including social, work, school and family. interfere with many aspects of your life. ADAA can According to a national survey conducted by the provide the resources that will help you and your Anxiety Disorders Association of America, 7 out of loved ones better understand your condition, con- 10 people with GAD agreed that their chronic anx- nect you with a community of people who know iety had an impact on their relations with spouses what you are experiencing, and assist you in finding or significant others and professionals who can help. two-thirds reported that GAD had a negative effect on their friendships. Visit ADAA at www.adaa.org to locate doctors and therapists who treat GAD and other anxiety disor- ders, as well as local support groups. Learn about What causes GAD? the causes, symptoms, and treatments for anxiety disorders; review questions to ask a therapist or The exact cause of GAD is not known. Scientists doctor; and find helpful materials to help family and believe that biological factors, family background, loved ones. ADAA is here to help you make the and life experiences are all involved. And we can’t best decisions so that you can get on with your life. leave out stress. Even the stress of positive events, such as buying a new house or getting married, can trigger symptoms in those who are predisposed to GAD.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America www.adaa.org Take Five You are not alone. Talk to someone – a friend, loved one or doctor. Get help. Anxiety & Manage Your Anxiety disorders are real, serious, and treatable.

Whether you have Exercise. Talk to Keep a Eat a balanced diet. ADAA at www. normal anxiety or Go for a someone … daily journal. Don’t skip meals. adaa.org. Let us an anxiety disor- walk or jog. spouse, Become aware Avoid , help der, these strate- Do yoga. significant other, of what which can trigger you help gies will help you Dance. Just friend, child, triggers anxiety symptoms. yourself. cope: get1 moving! 2or doctor. your3 anxiety. 4 5 Contact

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Self-Test Having more than one illness at the same time can make it difficult to diagnose and treat the different If you suspect that you might suffer from GAD, conditions. and are answer the questions below and share them with among the conditions that occasionally complicate your professional. GAD and other anxiety disorders. Are you troubled by the following?  Y  N Have you experienced changes  Y  N Excessive worry, occurring in sleeping or eating habits? more days than not, for at least More days than not, do you feel... six months?  Y  N sad or depressed?  Y  N Unreasonable worry about work, school, or your health?  Y  N disinterested in life?

 Y  N Inability to control your worry?  Y  N worthless or guilty?

Are you bothered by at least three of the During the last year, has the use of following symptoms? or drugs...  Y  N Restlessness, feeling keyed up,  Y  N resulted in your failure to fulfill or on edge responsibilities with work,  Y  N Being easily tired school, or family?

 Y  N Problems concentrating  Y  N placed you in a dangerous situation, such as driving a car   Y N Irritability under the influence?  Y  N Muscle tension  Y  N gotten you arrested?  Y  N Trouble falling or staying asleep  Y  N continued despite causing or restless and unsatisfying sleep problems for you or your  Y  N Anxiety interfering with your loved ones? daily life

Anxiety Disorders Association of America www.adaa.org