GAD Signs and Symptoms
Generally, people suffering from GAD are chronically tense, anxious, or consumed with worry. They may experience the following symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Irritability
- Lack of focus
- Sleep deprivation
Course of General Anxiety Disorder
GAD often develops during adolescence, although patients usually do not seek treatment until adulthood. After seeking treatment, many people claim to have felt anxious, nervous, or overly worried their whole lives. Onset after age 20 is less common.
In most people, GAD is a lifelong disorder. Symptoms typically worsen during times of stress and improve during times of stability. Depression and panic may develop in people with anxiety. As many as 25% of people with GAD are eventually diagnosed with panic disorder, and 40% with depression. Alcohol and drug abuse often develop when people attempt to use these substances to manage anxiety. Despite depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, the suicide rate is low among patients with GAD.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 03 May 2001
Reviewed by: Debra Emmite, M.D., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 31 Mar 2008
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