The feeling of anxiousness and stress is normal; however, if it affects functioning and performance, people must learn relaxation techniques. Generalized anxiety disorder refers to extreme tension, worrying, and nervousness regarding day-to-day events.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Individuals must understand the anxiety symptoms and take necessary measures to ensure the perseverance of sanity and contentment. The symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder are:
- Constant Anxiousness: The individual constantly suffers from unwanted anxiousness and nervousness. The worry of completing tasks on time affects the quality of work.
- Getting Startled Easily: The individual gets startled easily, which indicates anxiety, fear, stress, and nervousness. The individual may be shocked, which increases heart palpitations.
- Loss of Control: The inability to concentrate and make decisions on time due to pressure is common in individuals suffering from GAD. The loss of control worsens the symptoms and causes hindrance in completing daily chores.
- Physiological Responses:Unmanaged anxiety, stress, and depression cause physiological changes. The individual suffering from GAD remains conscious for most of the day. The common physiological changes that correlate with GAD include; sweating, nausea, headaches, and racing heartbeats. Thus, individuals must learn PMR and deep breathing to reduce the physical impact of anxiety and stress.
- Trouble Sleeping: The physiological changes, lack of control, and constant anxiety affect sleep. The individual has trouble sleeping at night and hence, remains lethargic. Individuals with GAD become irritable and cannot cope well in their professional and personal life.
- Amnesia:The individual under a lot of anxiety, stress, and pressure is more likely to suffer from temporary amnesia. The caregivers and close friends can notice that the individual fails to remember factual details of recent events.
Contributing Factors of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Genes: Individuals with close family members struggling with an anxiety disorder are at a higher risk of suffering from GAD.
- Traumatic Events: Stressful and traumatic events can lead to mental health problems. Work-related stress, harassment, bullying, or a traumatic eventcan cause anxiety. Without support and therapy, the symptoms may worsen and lead to GAD and related complications.
- Use of Drugs: Alcohol dependence and certain medications for a prolonged time can cause changes in the brain chemicals. The changes in the brain increase the risk of mental health illnesses, including GAD.
Complications of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Insomnia: Individuals with GAD are at a higher risk of suffering from insomnia and related complications. Lack of sleep causes irritability that affects personal and professional relationships and reduces productivity.
- Clinical Depression: Individuals with GAD must seek professional help, or the symptoms can worsen and lead to clinical depression.
- Substance Abuse:Alcohol and illicit drugs give temporary relief from the symptoms of GAD. Thus, individuals who struggle to enhance their mental health engage in substance abuse. It affects the psychological health and functioning of vital organs.
The individual exhibiting signs of anxiety should divert the attention and engage in activities such as yoga and meditation. However, if the symptoms of anxiety disorder worsen and lead to depressive episode, the person must consult a competent and reliable specialist for early diagnosis and timely treatment.