Signs of Generalized Anxiety, One by One
What each sign of generalized anxiety disorder can look like, how providers recognize it and the treatments that help. Facts from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Excessive Worry
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists worrying excessively about everyday things as a sign of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Everyone worries sometimes. With GAD, the worry is excessive and hard to control, and it comes with other symptoms like the ones below.
Hard to Control
NIMH lists having trouble controlling worries or feelings of nervousness as a sign of GAD.
Therapy can help. NIMH says cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to treat GAD and is the "gold standard" choice for psychotherapy.
Restlessness
NIMH lists feeling restless or having trouble relaxing, and feeling irritable or "on edge" frequently, as signs of GAD.
NIMH says that to be diagnosed with GAD, a person must also have at least three of these symptoms: feeling restless or "on edge," fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension or problems with sleep.
NIMH says stress management techniques, such as exercise, mindfulness and meditation, also can reduce anxiety symptoms.
Trouble Concentrating
NIMH lists having a hard time concentrating as a sign of GAD. It is one of the symptoms providers count toward a diagnosis.
Sleep Problems
NIMH lists trouble falling asleep or staying asleep as a sign of GAD.
NIMH suggests healthy habits such as reducing caffeine and getting enough sleep, although these alone cannot replace treatment.
Tiredness
NIMH lists feeling fatigued as a sign of GAD, and fatigue is one of the symptoms counted toward a diagnosis.
Tiredness has many possible causes, so tell your provider about it.
Muscle Tension
NIMH says people with GAD may experience pain such as headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tension.
Other physical signs NIMH lists include trembling or twitching, sweating a lot, feeling lightheaded or out of breath, having a hard time swallowing and making frequent trips to the bathroom.
Treatment That Helps
NIMH says GAD treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication or both, and finding the best treatment may take trial and error.
Medicines called SSRIs and SNRIs may take several weeks to start working. NIMH says their side effects are usually not severe for most people, especially if the dose starts low and is increased slowly over time.
Our mental health team offers psychiatric medication management and counseling, in person in West Ashley and through hybrid care across South Carolina.
If You Are in Crisis
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Sources
The facts on this page come from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Institute of Mental Health lists excessive worry about everyday things, trouble controlling worry, restlessness, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, fatigue and physical pain such as headaches, muscle aches or tension.
Yes. NIMH lists headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, tension, trembling, sweating, feeling lightheaded or out of breath and frequent trips to the bathroom.
NIMH says treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication or both. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the "gold standard" psychotherapy for GAD.
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