| Generalized anxiety disorder is most commonly | | | | Difficulty processing information |
| characterized by chronic anxiety, worry, and tension. | | | | Being easily frightened or startled |
| Most people experience the symptoms of GAD during | | | | Inability to remain calm or relax |
| times of increased stress, but it is not uncommon for | | | | Inability to focus |
| the symptoms to flare up even when under little to no | | | | Restlessness |
| stress. Although people suffering from G.A.D. are | | | | Physical Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder |
| aware of the fact that their anxiety is out of proportion | | | | Usually, the physical symptoms that manifest because |
| with the levels of stress that would be appropriate for | | | | of GAD are those that are characteristic of a |
| their circumstances, there is little they can do to relieve | | | | response to stress or fear. They can include the |
| the tension that builds within them. | | | | following: |
| Common Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder | | | | Fatigue |
| Although it can be difficult to differentiate an anxiety | | | | Lightheadedness |
| attack (the result of panic disorder) and the symptoms | | | | Shortness of breath |
| of GAD, other conditions such as social anxiety, post | | | | Rapid heartbeat |
| traumatic stress disorder, and even phobias can show | | | | Headache |
| similar symptoms to G.A.D. The distinguishing | | | | Hot flash and/or sweating |
| characteristic of GAD is that it does not have a | | | | Muscle tension or aches |
| specific symptom trigger. It can cause anxiety due to a | | | | Trembling or twitching |
| wide range of activities, events, and thoughts. | | | | Diarrhea |
| In addition to anxiety and tension, general anxiety | | | | Frequent urination |
| disorder can cause insomnia, irritability, and fatigue. | | | | Nausea |
| Other symptoms of GAD include: | | | | Because generalized anxiety disorder is known to |
| Depression | | | | worsen if gone untreated, an early diagnosis and |
| Difficulty concentrating | | | | strategic treatment is crucial. |