A Closer Look at Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

While it’s normal to feel anxious now and then during stressful periods, excessive, ongoing worry that interferes with daily life may be a sign of GAD. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is a mental health condition that causes excessive worry and fear about everyday things. GAD shares symptoms with other anxiety disorders like panic disorder and can be challenging to manage without mental health services in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland.

Living with GAD can be a long-term challenge, and in many cases, it occurs along with other mood disorders like depression. In most cases, generalized anxiety disorder improves with mental disorder treatment in Maryland, which may include a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Its symptoms vary but may consist of the following:

• Persistent worry or anxiety that’s out of proportion to the impact of events.
• Overthinking plans and solutions to possible worst-case scenarios.
• Difficulty handling uncertainty and indecisiveness in making the wrong decision.
• Difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and the inability to relax.

Additionally, a person with GAD may also experience physical symptoms like fatigue, trouble sleeping, sweating, and muscle tension. As with other mental health conditions, the cause of generalized anxiety disorder arises from biological and environmental factors. This may include a person’s genetics, development and personality, and differences in brain chemistry and function.

Anxiety treatment may include psychotherapy or talk therapy, which aims to help a person identify and change unhealthy emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns. Medications for GAD include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications like Benzodiazepines.

We at Livingwaters Integrative Health specialize in behavioral health services in Washington, DC. If you are struggling with anxiety and need help, contact us today to discuss your treatment options.