It is likely that most people may experience feelings of anxiety at some points in their life, for example, when sitting exams or attending job interviews. Feeling anxious during times like these is not uncommon. However, some people find it hard to control their worries and experience anxiety on a daily basis. This anxiety could be related to a number of conditions, but people who feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event, could be suffering from generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
This fact sheet provides information about generalised anxiety disorder, commonly known as GAD, in adults.
What is generalised anxiety disorder?
GAD is a long term condition that causes people to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event. Symptoms of GAD can be both psychological and physical.
Psychological symptoms of GAD can include:-
feeling nervous regularly over an extended period
difficulties in falling asleep
bad dreams when asleep
disturbed sleep, for example, waking up worrying
feeling tense and uptight
feelings of extreme frustration
a sense of dread
feeling tearful
wanting to escape.
Physical symptoms can include:
trembling or shaking
a pounding heartbeat or palpitations (an irregular heartbeat)
feeling sick
chest pains
headaches
sweating
loss of appetite.
Why do people become anxious
According to Mind, no one knows exactly what causes anxiety problems. Anxiety conditions are not developed or caused by a single factor, there are normally a number of factors that play a role, including personality, difficult life experiences and physical health. Anxiety conditions may develop when one or more stressful events occur in a person’s life. Common triggers include:-
workplace stress
pregnancy and giving birth
family and/or relationship problems
major emotional shock following a traumatic event
verbal, sexual, physical or emotional abuse
bereavement
drugs and medication.
Chronic health conditions can also contribute to feelings of anxiety. These include health conditions such as:-
diabetes
asthma
hypertension and heart disease.
