Anxiety has been described as the disease of modern times, effecting everyone to varying degrees throughout life. Modern life with its complications and demands ignites anxiety in the best of us. Anxiety is a normal human experience and reaction to stress but sometimes can become overwhelming and debilitating.  Generalized anxiety disorder is a term used to describe a heightened form of the day to day anxiety that people experience.  It is chronic and exaggerated worry that is often unprovoked. Sometimes people with generalized anxiety disorder realize that their degree of worry is more intense than the situation warrants. They may worry about normal life circumstances such as work responsibilities, health, chores at home, tardiness, or finances to an excessive degree. Often these worry thoughts can interfere with the ability to complete stay focused on the task at hand.  Many individuals report having symptoms beginning in childhood or adolescence but sometimes onset does not occur until adulthood. Some individuals report  experiencing feelings of anxiety all their lives. Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include:

 

-Restlessness, or feeling on edge

-Feeling easily fatigued

-Difficulty concentrating

-Irritability

-Muscle tension, twitching

-Sleep disturbance ; difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless, unsatisfying sleep

-Feeling shaky

-Sweating, nausea, or diarrhea

-Shortness of breath, dizziness

 

Three or more of these symptoms, persisting for 6 months can be an indication of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in adults. In children, only one symptom can be an indication of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Psychotherapy has been shown in numerous studies as an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms and to realize that you don’t have to try and cope with these symptoms alone. Relief and recovery are accessible to everyone.