A person with Generalized Anxiety Disorder ( GAD ) experiences intense anxiety disproportionate to events or occurring without any specific threat during extended periods. This condition causes significant emotional distress and exhaustion. There is excessive worry about everyday responsibilities, a major fear of failure, and of making mistakes. Mood worsens, irritability increases and self-critical thoughts become more and more common. Sleep becomes fragmented and shallow, of poor quality. The person is often consumed by continuous fears and awful thoughts about their own and their loved ones’ health.
Somatic Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Sweating
- Epigastric discomfort
- Rapid pulse
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- The sensation of a lump in the throat
- Difficulty breathing
- The sensation of heaviness or tightness in the chest
- Tingling or numbness in the limbs
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder:
- Anxiety
- Worry, dire premonitions
- Increased irritability
- Decreased concentration
- Sensitivity to noise
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances (often shallow, interrupted sleep with awakening due to anxiety)
- General weakness
- Reduced mood
- Sweating
- Epigastric discomfort
- Rapid heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- The sensation of a lump in the throat
- Difficulty breathing
Treatment:
- Pharmacotherapy
- Psychotherapy