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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms & Signs
      Category : Health Centers > Mental Health (Mental Disorders)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Alternate Names : Chronic Worry, GAD

Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

GAD causes constant, exaggerated worry that interferes with many areas of the person's life. Symptoms include:

  • diarrhea
  • difficulty concentrating
  • difficulty controlling worry
  • excessive sweating
  • feeling nervous
  • feelings of impending danger
  • impatience
  • inability to relax
  • irritability
  • lack of enjoyment
  • lightheadedness
  • muscle tension
  • palpitations, which make it feel as if the heart is pounding or racing
  • restlessness
  • shortness of breath
  • startled reactions
  • stomach and bowel problems
  • trouble sleeping
  • Unlike other, more acute anxiety disorders, people who have GAD do not avoid the situations that make them anxious. However, the symptoms can still interfere with their routine activities. They may overreact to what they see as dangers. They tend to pay attention to the negative details in a situation. And they may have little faith in their own ability to cope with their lives.


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    Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

     

    Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Diagnosis & Tests

    Author: Ann Reyes, Ph.D.
    Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Date Reviewed: 01/16/02









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006