Introduction to anxiety
Most everyone experiences temporary anxiety, a feeling of nervousness or fear, as a normal reaction to a stressful situation at some point in life. However, people who experience anxiety that is overwhelming and consuming may have a condition called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events. People with GAD tend to always expect disaster and can't stop worrying about health, money, family, work or school. In people with GAD, the worry often is unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. For GAD sufferers, daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear and dread. Eventually, the anxiety so dominates the person's thinking that it interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities and relationships.
What Are the Symptoms of GAD?
GAD affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of GAD include:
Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
An unrealistic view of problems
Restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy"
Irritability
Muscle tension
Headaches
Sweating
Difficulty concentrating
Nausea
The need to go to the bathroom frequently
Tiredness
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Trembling
Being easily startled
In addition, people with GAD often have other anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder , obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias ), suffer from depression , and/or abuse drugs or alcohol.
go to http://www.medicinenet.com
2006-07-08 11:37:25
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Tension in the neck, tired looking eyes, patting of the feet, pacing...
2006-07-08 11:11:41
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answer #3
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answered by Sleek 7
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feelings of irritation, and restlessness, worried about things you want to talk about constantly, or ignoring things that should be dealt with.
2006-07-08 12:17:07
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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