Generalised Anxiety Disorder - GAD

Generalised Anxiety

Anxiety comes in different forms and is therefore described based on the type of anxiety one may be experiencing. What ever the type of anxiety there are only a few ways someone may become distressed. This is part of the body's natural "flight or fright" response to overwhelming threat.

Some people get anxious only when in certain situations. Situational anxiety are often linked to a pre-existing fear or Phobia. This could be a fear of heights, open spaces, loud noises or certain animals or insects. It could also be a fear of being in an unfamiliar or new environment or group. We will explore some of these fears perhaps later. Non-situational anxiety tends to occur at any time although may also be linked to events or circumstances such as when dealing with trauma, grief or new stressors. These anxiety symptoms can be random or Generalised, or could also Different types of anxiety are often referred to as Generalised or a mix of anxiety and depression with one making the other worse in a vicious cycle. Anxiety could also present as Panic which can be very distressing.

What is anxiety

Most people would recognise the feeling of being suddenly nervous such as following a loud unexpected bang, when one is perhaps focused on a task or woken from sleep. We feel a sense of panic and would worry, wanting to know what had happened, why and if we are safe! This reflex scanning response is a natural reaction, to gather information as quickly as possible so we could make a decision regarding 'escape' to safety or stay cool
 

In generalised anxiety, such feelings of nervousness is triggered randomly and often with no objective cause from our immediate environment. It could often follow a sudden thought about something that is harmless but in our own mind, we had run off with a string of assumptions or beliefs. This way of thinking in sufferers, would tell the brain something is not right, and set off "an alarm" that generates symptoms of anxiety.

Anxiety is a condition that tends to tell our brain the immediate or distant future is unsafe and an attempt to prepare us to act now to keep us safe

People might describe how they feel in the following way:

• Excessive worry
• Nervousness
• Feeling tense
• Restless or worked up
• On edge
• Stressed
• Panicky

These feelings tend to occur frequently, and in people who suffer from generalised anxiety disorder, nearly daily

Following careful observations, experts recognise a number of symptoms that help in identifying people with Generalised anxiety condition. These are physical symptoms that can be monitored or measured and emotional less specific reactions that can be distressing but quite nebulous or non-specific.

Physical signs or symptoms

• an upset stomach or as if having a feeling of 'butterflies' in the tummy
• dry mouth
• feeling flushed
• sweat
• tense muscles
• palpitations or flutter
• easily tired or exhausted
• Tension headaches
• Dizziness
• Light-headed
• Trembling or fidgety
• breathless or short of breath
•  
• problem sleeping

Emotional symptoms

• difficulty concentrating
• mind going blank
• numb - loss of emotions
• Irritable mood
• worrying bad things might happen
• Unable to relax
• feeling low, or sad sometimes
• worrying a loved one might be in danger
• Feeling of gloom and doom

Is it common?

Generalised anxiety is fairly common and studies show that although it affects both sexes, women experiences it more than men. There may be a biological reason for this difference in occurrence. Moderate to severe forms of anxiety can affect as much as one in 20 people in their life time. It is probable a number of people are able to overcome their anxiety symptoms through their own self-effort and hence they do not necessarily have to see their doctor or specialist. Some however may not be that capable and might need to get help. It would appear from observations, many people suffer from anxiety, which comes and goes, for a good part of their life and do not seek help for various reasons.

The good news is that there are treatments that has been proven to help most people with anxiety. There are also many ways one can improve their coping with anxiety through self efforts. Anyone suffering from anxiety should not feel alone with such a challenging condition and should talk about it with a close friend or family or better still see their doctor for help

Are there known causes of Generalised anxiety

• Stress - e.g relationship breakdown, work pressures, financial problems, major life events
• Grief or bereavement
• Lifestyle choices
• Excessive caffeine or energy drinks
• Alcohol
• Recreational drugs
• Some prescribed medications

Does it run in families

Certain conditions that may be inherited might make anxiety more common in families. So the short answer it is probable for anxiety to run in some families but this would have to be carefully investigated by doctors. Most cases of anxiety is more often linked to stresses or lifestyles

Can it be treated

• Guided self-help
• Counselling
• Lifestyle changes
• Specific therapy such as CBT
• Prescription medicines