Feeling worried, anxious and nervous at times, is a normal part of everyday living. Feeling overwhelmed with dread, worry and care over an extended period of time is, however, something quite different. The modern-day cad that causes these symptoms is called GAD.

Every family has one

Every family has at least one “worry wart”, the person who does all the worrying for the rest of the family, the country and the world at large. Funny? Not really.

Although we live in stressful times, most of us learn to adapt and weather these times and the events that trigger them without totally freaking out. But it is a different kettle of fish when you find yourself trapped in a nightmare of anxiety, fear, worry, and feelings of gloom and impending doom that you are unable to control.

Generalised anxiety disorder

In the early 1900s Sigmund Freud pointed out that there was a kind of “free-floating anxiety” prevalent in the general public of his day. To date hundreds of people have been diagnosed with a similar “free floating” but omnipresent feeling of chronic, excessive, uncontrollable, unexplained and often irrational anxiety and worry about a multitude of things. These feelings are closely related to a condition called generalised anxiety disorder.

GAD occurs in adults, adolescents and children, but more often in women than in men. People from low and middle socio-economic backgrounds as well as separated, divorced and widowed individuals are at increased risk. Adults seem to develop symptoms from approximately 30 to 31 years of age, while children and adolescents may develop symptoms from ages 10 to 14. GAD is also quite common in the elderly.

Potential causes

Researchers believe GAD can be passed down in families and that genetics, brain chemistry, abnormal levels of brain neurotransmitters, environmental factors, trauma in childhood, abuse, divorce, death and other life-changing factors may all play a role. Long-term drug and alcohol use and dependence as well as smoking have been established as risk factors and potential triggers. Research also indicated that GAD sufferers may be abnormally sensitive to caffeine and should limit their intake.

Diagnosis

GAD symptoms range from emotional to behavioural to physical. To be able to diagnose GAD effectively, doctors need to first establish the following facts:

    • That the person has been experiencing uncontrollable, excessive worry and anxiety, more days than not, for at least six months or longer
    • That the focus of the anxiety and worry is not synonymous with or points to other or similar disorders such as social phobias, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder or a form of hypochondria
    • That the symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of substance abuse, medication or a general medical condition such as an overactive thyroid.

Typical symptoms

Excessive anxiety and worry associated with some of the following symptoms may indicate GAD:

    • Intrusive, anxious and irrational thoughts that can’t be switched off at will
    • Anxiety about the future and an inability to tolerate uncertainty
    • Inability to be alone, to relax and be quiet
    • Avoiding situations that make you anxious
    • Difficulty concentrating or focusing on things and sometimes just striking a blank
    • Being easily startled, weak and trembling
    • Feeling restless and on edge
    • Physical symptoms such as insomnia, stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhoea, muscle tension, especially in the shoulder and neck area, or feeling dizzy or lightheaded, difficulty breathing, a feeling of chocking, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain and discomfort.

Children may display some or all of the symptoms mentioned above, but be on the lookout for the following: excessive fear of making mistakes, self-criticism and perfectionism, as well as becoming clingy and needing frequent reassurance and approval.

Treatment

Two treatment options are available.

    • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
    • Pharmacologic (drug) treatment.

CBT is especially successful in treating the psychological components of GAD, thereby helping the person to understand how thoughts and feelings influence behaviour and teaching him or her how to replace negative, anxiety-provoking thought patterns with positive, more realistic ones.

Drug treatment, usually with either selective antidepressants or sedatives is often combined with CBT. However, there is some concern about the side-effects of the sedatives and they are not recommended for long-term use.

Don’t worry, be happy

Although professional help and treatment is recommended, you can help reduce your anxiety by eating a healthy mood-lifting diet, reducing your intake of alcohol and caffeine, learning to rest and meditate, and exercising to reduce stress.

GAD is physically and mentally exhausting and can drain all pleasure out of life. If you suspect that you may be at risk, please implement the above-mentioned strategies and also seek professional help. “Don’t worry, be happy” may sound a bit trite but that is exactly what you need to aim for. Good luck!

 

Sources
Generalized anxiety disorder. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/generalized-anxiety-disorder/DS00502
Generalized anxiety disorder. Retrieved from: http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generalized_anxiety_disorder
Pomfrey, E. Eat, meditate, exercise: treating anxiety naturally. Retrieved from: http://www.tm.org/resource-page/86-eat-meditate-exercise
Smith M. & Segal, J. 2013. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).Retrieved from: http://helpguide.org./mental/generalized-anxiety-disorder.htm
Walkleyr AJ. The history of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com/about_5344162_history-generalized-anxiety-disorder.html