Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the general manifestation of inappropriate anxiety, usually for a period of at least 6 months. When anxiety disorders develop, they develop with a range of symptoms present such as panic attacks, phobias and obsessions. GAD is the condition which presents a varied spread of anxious symptoms.

People who suffer predominantly from panic attacks for example are said to be suffering from panic disorder; those suffering from obsessions and compulsions are said to be suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. GAD sufferers tend to suffer from mild or irregular panic symptoms, generalized levels of inappropriate anxious symptoms and perhaps agoraphobia or social phobia for example.

GAD is a kinder form of anxiety, if there can be such a thing. Whilst the symptoms can be very disturbing indeed, they never quite peak at the extreme levels that some related disorders can reach. Sufferers may feel constantly tired, they may suffer from insomnia or extreme nervousness and the resultant symptoms can be very uncomfortable indeed.

GAD is caused by an underlying level of inappropriate anxiety caused by a shift in the way the brain reacts to anxiety building stimuli. AS the brain's anxiety 'thermostat' becomes re-set at a higher than normal level of anxiety, an anxiety disorder is formed.

Only be removing the inappropriate anxiety can the symptoms be reduced and eliminated successfully, medication may mask the symptoms temporarily but will not remove the underlying cause.