Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes chronic, exaggerated worrying and anxiety about everyday life. Everyone worries at times, but people with GAD can never relax and usually anticipate the worst. The intensity and pervasiveness of their worry interferes with normal functioning at school, at work, and in their relationships. The worrying is often not related to anything in particular. Instead, each day provokes tension and anxiety.

People with GAD often worry excessively about health, family, work, or money. The worry is so severe that it interferes with their ability to live their lives. The anxiety can also progress to the point where people "worry about worrying." GAD usually starts in childhood or adolescence, but it can also start in early adulthood. It is not unusual for GAD to start after age 20.

The exact cause of GAD is unknown. Researchers believe it is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, developmental, and psychological factors.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for GAD include:

• Sex: female
• Family member with an anxiety disorder
• Long-term exposure to abuse, poverty, or violence
• Low-self esteem
• Poor coping skills
• Smoking or other substance abuse
• Increase in stress

Symptoms of GAD usually build up slowly. People with GAD often have both psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety.

Psychological symptoms include:

• Excessive ongoing worrying and tension
• Feeling tense or edgy
• Irritability, overly stressed
• Difficulty concentrating, mind going "blank"
• Stress

Physical symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Trembling
• Difficulty sleeping
• Restlessness
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Choking sensation
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

People with GAD often have other anxiety disorders, depression , and/or problems with abusing alcohol or drugs.

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be performed. Your doctor will also look for other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms (eg, an overactive thyroid ).

You will be asked about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal medications. Some medications can cause side effects similar to the symptoms of GAD. Your doctor will also ask about addictive substances you may be using. These can include nicotine, caffeine, street drugs, prescription medications, and alcohol.

To make a diagnosis of GAD, symptoms must be:

• Present more days than not
• Present for at least six months
• Interfering with your life (causing you to miss work or school, for example)

If you have a mild form of GAD, your doctor will probably first have you try therapy to learn to manage anxious thoughts.

Therapies include:

Your therapist will work with you to change your patterns of thinking. This will allow you to notice how you react to situations that cause anxiety. You will then learn to change your thinking so you can react differently. This can decrease the symptoms of anxiety.

Your therapist will teach you relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and visualization. Learning ways to relax can help you gain control over anxiety. Instead of reacting with worry and tension, you can learn to remain calm. Your therapist may also slowly expose you to the situation that is causing the worry and tension. This can allow you to reduce your anxiety in a safe environment.

Joining a support or self-help group is often helpful. This form of support allows you to share your experience and learn how others have coped with GAD.

Biofeedback works by attaching sensors to the body. A therapist helps you understand your body’s signals so you can use them to reduce your anxiety.

Medication can be prescribed for symptoms that are severe and make it difficult to function. Medications can help relieve symptoms so you can concentrate on getting better. It is important to note that many medications can not be stopped abruptly but need to be tapered off. Check with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

Medications may include:

• Benzodiazepines —to relax your body and keep it from tensing in response to anxious thoughts
  • These medications need to be monitored closely because they may cause dependence.
• Anti-anxiety drugs—to decrease anxiety
  • Buspirone (BuSpar)—an anti-anxiety medicine that does not cause dependence
  • Alprazolam (Xanax)—may be prescribed for short period of time
• Antidepressant medications (most commonly selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors , “SSRIs”)—to help control anxious thoughts
• Beta-blockers—may be used to help with physical symptoms of anxiety