Definition - What does generalized anxiety disorder mean?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a psychological condition in which the sufferer experiences abnormal levels of anxiety. When a person has GAD, his or her worries are not usually related to any specific event. Instead, the individual worries excessively about the events of daily living. This excessive and generalized state of worry can interfere with the sufferer's ability to function at work and home. The causes of GAD may include physiological and environmental factors.
SureHire explains generalized anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) differs from normal anxiety in its intensity and impact. A person suffering from GAD will feel worry to such an extreme that they may have difficulty making decisions or maintaining focus. Additionally, the person with GAD may worry about situations where there is no reasonable cause to worry. They may feel nervous or continually look for hidden dangers. They may also overreact to minor dangers.
In addition to worry, individuals with GAD may feel irritable or tense, suffer headaches and fatigue, and have trouble sleeping. A person with GAD may may startle easily and feel restless or tense. Treatments for GAD may include medication, therapeutic counseling, or a combination of the two. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often recommended for the treatment of GAD. Dietary and lifestyle changes may also be used to supplement GAD treatments.
