Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) often describe themselves as constant worriers. Sometimes, the worries seem to snowball until they have culminated in a catastrophic outcome in the person’s mind. For example, a teenager might start worrying about a bad test grade which then sparks worries that the test grade will lead to having a low GPA, not getting into a good college, and not having a good career. Adults may start worrying that a common illness symptom is representative of a serious underlying disease and then begin to envision all the problems that will arise from having this serious disease. Sometimes, individuals with GAD find decision-making difficult because they don’t want to later regret the decision.
Signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a universal human experience; all people worry. So, what makes people with GAD different from others? People with GAD often spend an excessive amount of time worrying or worry about things others would not have as much concern over. The worries often feel out of control and can be associated with other problems like trouble focusing, trouble sleeping, irritability, muscle tension, and fatigue. Sometimes, the worries can negatively impact close relationships because others aren’t sure how to help the person stop worrying and feel tired from the constant worrying as well.
Why Can't I Just Stop Worrying?
There are no simple solutions for GAD. Research shows it does not work to tell yourself or others not to think about worries. In fact, trying not to think about a particular worry can make the worry worse. Obtaining reassurance from others generally does not help with worries either. While reassurance may bring brief relief, it’s usually not long before the worry has returned, and more reassurance is needed. This can spark an ongoing cycle of seeking more and more reassurance from others. Stopping the worries in GAD is also not simply about managing stress better with a healthy lifestyle. Although getting good sleep and exercising can be important tools in managing anxiety, healthy lifestyle choices alone will not resolve GAD.
Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
​Part of the treatment for GAD involves creating distance from anxious thoughts. Some people tend to become immersed in the inner world of their worries. With repeated practice, people can become better at letting anxious thoughts pass them by and re-engaging in the world around them. Sometimes people have underlying beliefs that worry is helpful to them, and a small part of them is hesitant to let go of worry. For example, they may think that worry motivates them, helps them take action to avoid a bad outcome, or at least helps them prepare for the worst. If these beliefs are present, part of treatment involves addressing these beliefs. Treatment for GAD can also involve learning to better tolerate the possibility that the outcomes we most fear can and do occur in life. It can initially seem overwhelming to mentally engage with these feared outcomes, but doing so can ultimately lead to greater peace.
