Generalised

anxiety disorder.

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a psychological disorder characterised by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering GAD typically anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, death, family problems, friendship problems, interpersonal relationship problems, or work difficulties.

Symptoms

Individuals often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, fidgeting, headaches, nausea, numbness in hands and feet, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, bouts of difficulty breathing, difficulty concentrating, trembling, twitching, irritability, agitation, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, hot flashes, and rashes.

Causes

The exact cause of GAD is unknown, but a number of factors - including genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental stresses - appear to contribute to its development. Some research suggests that family history can play a part in increasing the likelihood that a person will develop GAD. This means the tendency to develop GAD may be passed on in families.

Treatment

Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of therapies. Medications typically used to treat GAD include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants.

See also

• Anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder