| Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms are classified | | | | main difference is the intensity of the worry. |
| as having one central feature. That feature includes | | | | It should be noted that while researchers are not |
| excessive worry and anxiety. Typically, individuals | | | | sure of the cause of generalized anxiety disorder |
| who suffer from GAD are found to worry for a | | | | they do know that it is not causes by the effects of |
| majority of the days out of a month for a period of | | | | substance abuse or a general medical condition; |
| at least six months. These individuals may worry | | | | although it can be aggravated by substance abuse |
| about a number of different activities or events. In | | | | and can make other existing health conditions worse. |
| addition, the person may commonly find it difficult to | | | | At this time researchers believe that generalized |
| control their worry. While persons who do not suffer | | | | anxiety disorder may run in families. |
| from GAD are able to put their worry and anxiety on | | | | Regardless of the cause, it is important to know that |
| hold in order to deal with normal daily activities, GAD | | | | there are positive steps you can take to reduce the |
| sufferers are not able to do so. As a result, their | | | | symptoms of GAD. |
| worry and anxiety interferes with their daily lives. In | | | | First, work on developing coping skills to help you |
| many cases, the worry even becomes debilitating. | | | | deal with the symptoms. Joining a support group is a |
| Classic GAD is also commonly associated with three | | | | great way to do this. Focus on developing relaxation |
| or more other related symptoms that persist most | | | | skills that can help you deal with the intensity of your |
| of the time for a period of at least six months. | | | | anxiety and worry, such as deep breathing exercises. |
| These generalized anxiety disorder symptoms | | | | A support group can also help you to understand the |
| include:o Feeling keyed up, on edge or restlesso | | | | dynamics of GAD and how it can affect other |
| Difficulty concentratingo Easily fatiguedo Irritabilityo | | | | aspects of your life. |
| Muscle tensiono Sleep disturbances | | | | It is also important to focus on maintaining a healthy |
| The focus of the worry and anxiety in generalized | | | | lifestyle. Eat a well balanced diet rich in fruits and |
| anxiety disorder does not usually revolve around any | | | | vegetables. Get plenty of exercise. Drink a sufficient |
| one specific activity or event. For example, with | | | | amount of water and cut down on caffeinated |
| individuals suffering from panic disorder, sufferers | | | | beverages. Go to bed at the same time each night |
| commonly worry about being embarrassed in public | | | | and be sure to get enough sleep. |
| or of having a panic attack. This is not the case with | | | | Taking the time to understand generalized anxiety |
| generalized anxiety disorder. In GAD, sufferers may | | | | disorder symptoms and looking for positive steps |
| worry over the same things that everyone else | | | | you can take will allow you to begin living a more |
| worries about; money, family, health, work, etc. The | | | | normal life. |