GAD

GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a common anxiety disorder characterized by long-term anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.

Symptoms

People with GAD can't seem to shake their concerns, even though they usually realize that their anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants. Their worries are accompanied by physical symptoms, especially fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, and hot flashes.

Causes

The exact cause of GAD is not fully known, but a number of factors including genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental stresses appear to contribute to its development.

Diagnosis

GAD is diagnosed in adults when they experience at least three of the symptoms more days than not for at least six months. Only one symptom is required in children.

Treatment

Treatments for GAD include medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

See also

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

References

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