Do you find yourself wondering whether you are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder symptoms? If the symptoms you are experiencing are quite severe it is a possibility.

When trying to determine whether you may have generalized anxiety disorder it is important to keep in mind that worry is a part of normal life. We all worry from time to time.  In fact, in moderate amounts worry and anxiety can actually be helpful. It can help to motivate us to meet deadlines and even respond in an appropriate fashion to real danger.

The main difference between normal worry and the worry associated with generalized anxiety disorder is the severity of the worry and the fact that it can frequently interfere with normal everyday activities.

It is not normal to feel anxious and worried all the time. This is the hallmark of generalized anxiety disorder.

If you find that your worry is interrupting your daily life, you could be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms may include:

• Restlessness
• Impatience
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling keyed up
• Experiencing a lump in your throat
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Being easily distracted
• Trouble sleeping
• Muscle tension
• Stomach disturbances
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Diarrhea

While the worry and anxiety associated with this disorder can be consuming it can also be confusing. Many individuals may experience times in which their worries do not seem to consume them but they still feel somewhat anxious. They may feel as though they are on edge most of the time.

Generalized anxiety disorder onset can vary from one individual to the next. In some cases, it can be present from an early age or it may not appear until later in life. Typically the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder appear more slowly than with other anxiety disorders. Quite frequently, individuals who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder may find it difficult to remember when they last felt at ease or relaxed.

The exact cause of generalized anxiety disorder is not really known. Researchers do know that certain factors can contribute to GAD. These factors include:

• Certain medical conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland, which can produce anxiety

• Coping with a serious illness

• Stress-A buildup of stress in certain life situations can result in excessive anxiety and worry.

• Personality-Some people with certain personality types are simply more prone to anxiety disorders.

• Heredity-In some cases, GAD appears to run in families.

As a result certain risk factors can result in an increased risk of generalized anxiety disorder. Risk factors include:

• A serious illness
• Build up of stress
• Presence of anxiety disorder in your family

Living with generalized anxiety disorder can certainly be difficult but there are steps you can take to make the coping process easier. Learning more about generalized anxiety disorder symptoms is a positive step in the right direction.

While worry is a normal part of life, generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include chronic, exaggerated worry. When an individual suffers from generalized anxiety disorder, their symptoms frequently interfere with their life and make it difficult for them to get through normal everyday activities and routines.  Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by constant anxiety which frequently has no apparent cause. In some cases generalized anxiety disorder can be mild and even manageable but in other cases it can be quite debilitating. Unfortunately, generalized anxiety disorder can also aggravate other existing health conditions as well.  Generalized anxiety disorder can also lead to the development of other health conditions, including depression, so it is important to make sure that you seek treatment as early as possible.   The concerns which individuals with GAD focus on are commonly the same things everyone else worries about. These worries might include employment, health, money, families, etc. The main difference between normal worry and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms is that the worry experienced by persons suffering from GAD is constant and excessive. Persons who do not suffer from this disorder are able to focus on their daily activities and put their worries on hold. Persons suffering from GAD are frequently distracted by their worries and find it difficult to concentrate on anything else.   Persons with GAD may feel as though their worry is ongoing throughout the day and never really ends.  Other symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include:  • Headaches
• Lightheadedness
• Trembling and twitching
• Nausea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sweating, hot flashes
• Difficulty breathing
• Changes in appetite
• Easily startled
• Frequent urination
• Sleeplessness
• Restlessness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension

There is hope for persons who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. The first step is to have a medical exam to rule out other possible causes of your anxiety. Once it is determined that you are in otherwise good health, a psychologist or psychiatrist can make a positive diagnosis. He or she will also rule out other possible causes of anxiety as well, such as depression.  

Therapy has proven to be quite successful in treating the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. While treatment does take time and a dedication to recover, it is possible to reduce and even eliminate many of the symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder.  Taking an approach to whole health can also be beneficial. Make sure you are eating a health, well-balanced diet and getting plenty of rest. Set aside time for moderate exercise on a routine basis. Develop a strong support system with friends and family. Consider joining a support group for individuals suffering from GAD.  Learning coping and relaxation skills can also help you to deal with your symptoms in a positive manner.  Taking the time to focus on your health and learn self-treatment methods can help you to overcome generalized anxiety disorder symptoms and get back to living a whole, normal life.