Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder. As a result of the multiplicity and gradual severity of its symptoms, many people may confuse it with normal stress or anxiety. However, the most significant difference is the ongoing feeling of anxiety, and concern about the minor things in an individual’s life.

Definition of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a state of severe and chronic anxiety (symptoms usually persist most days over a period of 6 months or longer) with or without an actual reason. People with GAD suffer from exaggerated anxiety that interferes with their everyday life, making the simplest tasks seem very difficult to do. [1]

Patients may also experience panic attacks, overthinking and analyzing situations and plans which makes them hesitant and afraid, in addition to physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and digestive problems or so-called irritable bowel syndrome. [2]

GAD can also lead to or result from other mental disorders such as depression or panic disorder. GAD often begins in childhood or adolescence but can begin in adulthood as well. Like many other mental illnesses, GAD is more common in females than in males. [1] [2]

Causes

The exact cause of generalized anxiety disorder remains unclear, however, experts attribute its occurrence to a combination of factors, namely:

• Genetics: Family history makes it more likely for a person to develop GAD, however, no specific genes have been identified so far.
• It was also found that the environment and lifestyle a person lives through may contribute significantly to developing this disorder.
• Brain Chemistry: GAD has been linked to problems with certain nerve cell pathways that connect specific areas of the brain involved in thinking and emotions. These connections depend on chemicals called neurotransmitters to send information from one nerve cell to the next, so if these connecting pathways do not work properly, it will lead to mood and anxiety-related problems, which is why treatment involves fixing and improving these neurotransmitters.
• Environmental factors: Including trauma, violence, or even divorce, as well as the use of addictive substances such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, which can facilitate the development of this disorder (and attempting to quit these substances has the same effect). [2]

Methods of Treatment

Management and treatment methods vary according to the severity and condition of the patient. In advanced cases, the patient is advised to see a psychiatrist, and treatment is often a combination of medications to relieve symptoms in order to facilitate the treatment, as it is not sufficient to treat completely on its own.

It must be mentioned that many of the prescribed medications have undesirable side effects and therefore require the correct diagnosis, in addition to the application of behavioral therapy, which is used to treat many other anxiety disorders as well, through which patients are taught and trained to change their way of thinking and behavior when dealing with what may trigger their anxiety, so that, over time, they become in control of themselves, prevent their thoughts and feelings from affecting their life, and even manage to deal with problems in a realistic and rational manner. [2]

Add to that, a set of habits that help patients strengthen themselves physically and psychologically and can be practiced at home, including:

• Exercise.
• Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
• Getting enough sleep.
• Following a healthy diet.
• Avoiding stimulants and drugs. [2]

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