Anxiety Disorder

WHAT IS GAD (General Anxiety Disorder)?

A sufferer typically experiences the following:

Relentless and exaggerated anxiety in the absence of valid concerns, which can obviously be debilitating.
Is prone to always expect the worst.
Blows things out of proportion.
Grapples with all-consuming fear and dread to the point of it eventually interfering with their ability to live a normal life.

THERE ARE FIVE MAJOR ANXIETY DISORDERS

Generalised anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Social phobia (or social anxiety disorder)

This brochure is based on generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF GAD (GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER)

Common symptoms include the following:

Headaches
Constant worry
Difficulty sleeping
Exaggerated worry
Muscle tension
Easily startled

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

Physical symptoms include the following:

Dizziness/immobility
Headaches
Difficulty with concentration
Sweating
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Rapid breathing or breathlessness
Increased blood pressure
Muscle tension
Frequent urination
Tiredness or fatigue
Change in sleep patterns
Trembling

Infographic showing the differences between normal anxiety and gad

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

Emotional symptoms include the following:

Excessive worrying
Irritability or agitation
Restlessness
Feeling tense or highly strung
Being on edge

The above illustrates that generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) cannot be ignored or dismissed as a “mental issue”. On the contrary, it can be crippling and presents immense challenges to an individual’s general health and physical wellbeing.

DEPRESSION VERSUS ANXIETY

Although depression and anxiety differ considerably, there are some commonalities, such as the following:

Restlessness
Excessive worrying
Agitation

NORMAL STRESS IN COMPARISON TO GAD

THE PROBLEM GOES BEYOND GAD

Those with generalised anxiety disorder may, in addition, also experience one or more of the following:

Irrational fears
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Clinical depression
Addiction problems (drugs, alcohol)
Generalised panic disorder
Burnout

Consequently, GAD cannot be ignored or dismissed as a “mental issue”. Rather, it can be crippling and presents immense challenges to an individual’s general health and physical wellbeing.

CAUSES

The exact cause of generalised anxiety disorder has not yet been established. However, experts agree that several factors may play a role. For example:

The incorrect functioning of certain nerve cell pathways, particularly those that are involved with emotions and thinking.
These pathways depend on messengers, called neurotransmitters, to connect.
Thus, problems with these nerve cell pathways and/or messengers may result in “faulty” connections, and subsequently GAD.
Genetics
Family history may increase the likelihood of the disorder
Environmental factors
Trauma
Stressful event
Substance withdrawal

DIAGNOSIS

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) defines the diagnosis for mental health professionals as: For children, the anxiety and worry are associated with fewer (one or more) of the six symptoms. Conversely, for adults this number is higher (three or more). The process may entail the following:

Medical and psychiatric history
A physical examination and lab tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms
Reports on the intensity and time-frame of the symptoms
Evaluation of the degree of the dysfunction

MANAGEMENT

Generalised anxiety disorder is usually managed through medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy, addressing both physical and emotional symptoms.

COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

Learning more about the condition
Changes in thought and behavioural patterns
Relaxation techniques

MEDICATION

Short-term sedative-hypnotics
Certain anti-depressants (SSRI’s & SNRI’s)
Anti-anxiety medication
Other ranges of medication may also play a role, including pregabalin and agomelatine

ADDITIONAL MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Exercise and a healthy diet
Avoiding or reducing caffeine, nicotine and alcohol
Adequate sleep
A support structure

Medical References

The information on this website is meant to give general knowledge only. It is not medical advice and should not replace advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a doctor. It also doesn’t set a specific way that care should be given.Always talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional if you have any health questions or concerns. Don’t ignore or delay getting medical help because of something you read on this website.Medical information is always changing, so the details on this site—or any sites it links to—might not be fully accurate or up to date. You should not use this information to make medical decisions for yourself or others. If you do, you are doing so at your own risk.