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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common psychological disorders. A person suffering from it will be chronically worried about several life circumstances.
It is normal for people to worry, but some people worry excessively and uncontrollably. These are the people who are suffering from GAD. It is considered a disorder if the anxiety has been going on for at least 6 months. The most common areas of worry are health, family and money. People with generalized anxiety disorder are continually waiting for something dreadful to happen, either to themselves or to those around them. Consquently they feel restless and on edge and have trouble concentrating. Some people also develop insomnia. GAD also has an impact on the sufferer's physical well-being. Symptoms include increased heartbeat, muscle pain and tension, increased need to urinate, palpitations, cold chills or hot flushes and nausea.
GAD can affect everyone at any time and most people are touched by it at some time of their lives. However, it is more common in females and in people who are separated, divorced, widowed or unemployed.
There are various ways to treat this disorder. If you recognise the symptoms, your first action should be to visit your GP who will carry out a physical examination which could rule out other physical disorders which have the same symptoms as anxiety. If you are diagnosed with GAD it would be of great benefit to see a counsellor or psychotherapist. The first will help you talk about your problems and help put you at ease while the latter will do that as well as find the roots of your problem. A psychiatrist or GP will prescribe medication such as sedatives and sleeping pills. It is also helpful to cut down on caffeine and other stimulants.
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