Table of Contents

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) experience excessive worry and have a higher level of baseline anxiety. They commonly worry about multiple areas in their life such as work, health, family, and money. While most people feel anxious at times, people with GAD feel overwhelmed by their anxiety. Along with excessive worry, they often experience a sense of being “keyed up” or easily worn out. They can have difficulty with concentration, irritability, and muscle tension. They often experience sleep disturbances.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental disorders and affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. Below includes statistics related to anxiety disorders for adults in the U.S.

Population:

  • Specific Phobia: 8% – 12%
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: 7%
  • Panic Disorder (also known as Panic Attacks): 2% – 3%
  • Agoraphobia: 1% – 2.9% in Adolescents and Adults
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder: 2%
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder: 0.9% – 1.9%

Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders.

Panic Attacks
Panic attacks come on suddenly and are often without warning or trigger. They typically last between 5-20 minutes. A panic attack involves powerful physical symptoms that may include racing heartbeat, breathlessness, sweating, tremors, upset stomach, numbness or tingling, and dizziness. People undergoing a panic attack commonly have the perception that what they are experiencing is life-threatening. Panic attacks can happen in someone with GAD,  but they can also occur in individuals with no anxiety issues.

Signs and Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Symptoms of anxiety can vary widely among people with GAD. An individual with GAD may exhibit some or many of the following symptoms:

  • An inability to stop worrying
  • An overwhelming sense of dread
  • Feeling on-edge or jittery
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Indecisiveness or confusion
  • Being easily startled
  • Feeling tired during the day
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Muscle soreness or tension
  • Digestive problems, including nausea and irritable bowels
  • Excessive sweating
  • An accelerated heart rate

Diagnosing Generalized Anxiety Disorders

While reading and talking about symptoms can help people understand what they may be experiencing, it is important to note that only a trained mental health professional can diagnose GAD.

What Causes Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Like other mental health disorders, GAD can have several different contributing factors. While the cause of GAD is not fully understood, we know that genetics, trauma, stress, health conditions, and substance use disorders can increase risk.

Lifestance Health specializes in Generalized Anxiety Disorder treatment with multiple locations in 33 states. Services and available treatments vary by location.

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Lifestyle and Environmental Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Chronically stressful situations in a person’s life can increase the risk of GAD. Some examples of lifestyle and environmental factors that can contribute to the development of GAD include:

  • A high-stress job
  • Troubled or abusive relationships
  • Homelessness
  • Financial problems
  • Too little sleep
  • Too many responsibilities
  • Unstable home life

Someone may have several or none of these factors and develop GAD.

Biological Reasons for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

GAD is a heritable condition with a moderate genetic risk (heritability of approximately 30%). As with most other psychiatric conditions, a combination of biological and environmental factors contribute to the development of GAD.

Treatment Options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and Mental Health Professionals can provide Anxiety Disorder Treatment for GAD in several ways. A patient may need therapy, Anxiety Medication Management, or a combination of these to start feeling better. Psychotherapy treatments for GAD include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In CBT, patients learn to respond to triggers differently to reduce anxiety levels. Mental health professionals teach patients specific tools designed to guide them through stressful situations.

Telehealth Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

In many cases, people with generalized anxiety disorder can be diagnosed and treated through virtual appointments, known as telehealth. Online therapy and psychiatry options allow patients to fit anxiety treatment into their schedules. Research suggests  that telehealth treatment for anxiety disorders can be as effective as in-office visits. Our telehealth appointments are HIPAA-compliant and safe as well.

Seeking Help for Your Feelings of Anxiety
The first step for getting your anxiety under control is seeking the assistance of a trained mental health professional to ensure the correct diagnosis is made. We recommend working with a Mental Health Professional who will collaborate with you towards an effective treatment plan. Knowledge about your mental health is empowering.

Citations:

Gottschalk MG, Domschke K. Genetics of generalized anxiety disorder and related traits. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jun;19(2):159-168. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/kdomschke. PMID: 28867940; PMCID: PMC5573560.

Generalized anxiety disorder: Learn More – Treatment options for generalized anxiety disorder. [Updated 2021 Jul 7]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279594/

Harvard Medical School, 2007. National Comorbidity Survey (NCS). (2017, August 21). Retrieved from https://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/index.php . Data Table 1: Lifetime prevalence DSM-IV/WMH-CIDI disorders by sex and cohort.

Palmer CS, Brown Levey SM, Kostiuk M, Zisner AR, Tolle LW, Richey RM, Callan S. Virtual Care for Behavioral Health Conditions. Prim Care. 2022 Dec;49(4):641-657. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2022.04.008. Epub 2022 Oct 20. PMID: 36357068; PMCID: PMC9581698.