Transformative and Holistic Healing from Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Johns Hopkins Medicine defines generalized anxiety disorder as a condition of excessive worry about everyday issues and situations—even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. It lasts over six months and may also bring restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, increased muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.

When their anxiety level is mild to moderate or with treatment, people with GAD can function socially, have full and meaningful lives, and be gainfully employed.

Individuals who struggle with GAD may resort to avoiding certain situations and may miss out on social, professional, and personal opportunities because of their worry. With severe generalized anxiety disorder, people can face difficulty carrying out even the simplest daily activities.

Although it can occur in childhood, GAD often starts around age 30 and develops slowly. GAD is also more common in women than in men.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, GAD is diagnosed if you have worried excessively about a variety of topics, everyday problems, or future events more days than not for at least six months. In addition to worry, you must experience three or more symptoms that cause clinically significant distress.

Depressive episodes can be classified as mild, moderate, and severe depending on the number, type, and severity, as well as the degree of functional impairment.

While each person may experience symptoms differently, here are the most common ones for GAD:

• Excessive Worry. Constantly and uncontrollably worry about various aspects of life, even when there is little or no apparent reason.
• Restlessness. Feeling on edge, restless, or keyed up; difficulty relaxing.
• Muscle Tension. Experiencing chronic muscle tension leads to symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, or general bodily discomfort.
• Fatigue. Feeling physically and mentally fatigued, even after minimal exertion.
• Irritability. Becoming easily irritable or on edge, often affecting relationships and daily interactions.
• Sleep Disturbances. Having difficulty falling or staying asleep, resulting in poor-quality or insufficient sleep.
• Difficulty Concentrating. Finding it challenging to concentrate on tasks due to intrusive and persistent worry.
• Physical Symptoms. Experiencing physical symptoms like trembling, sweating, or shaking.
• Gastrointestinal Issues. Experiencing digestive problems such as stomachaches, nausea, or diarrhea.
• Physical Symptoms. Unexplained aches and pains, headaches, or digestive issues
• Irritability. Increased irritability or restlessness, particularly in children and adolescents
• Excessive Self-Consciousness. Persistently fearing being judged, evaluated, or criticized by others.

While anxiety is a normal and adaptive response to stress or perceived threats, GAD differs in terms of intensity, duration, and the impact it has on daily life.

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a natural part of life. However, when anxiety becomes chronic, overwhelming, and interferes with daily functioning, it may indicate the presence of a disorder like GAD. If you suspect you may have GAD or if anxiety is significantly impacting your life, reach out to trusted psychiatry providers for an accurate generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis and appropriate treatment

Like several other mental health disorders, the exact cause of GAD isn’t fully understood, but it is likely to involve a combination of the following factors:

• Genetics.
  There is evidence to suggest that a family history of anxiety disorders may increase the risk of developing GAD. Certain genetic factors may contribute to an individual's susceptibility to anxiety.
• Brain Chemistry.
  Imbalances in neurotransmitters and differences in the functioning of serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) may play a role in GAD.
• Personality Factors.
  Individuals with certain personality traits, such as a tendency to be perfectionistic, have a higher risk of developing GAD. Chronic worrying and an inability to tolerate uncertainty may contribute.
• Life Experiences.
  Traumatic or stressful events, especially during childhood, can increase the likelihood of developing GAD. Chronic exposure to stressors or a history of adverse life events may contribute to the disorder.
• Biological Factors.
  Conditions such as an overactive fight-or-flight response or an imbalance in the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, which regulates the body's response to stress, may be linked to GAD.
• Other Mental Health Conditions.
  GAD often coexists with other mental health disorders, such as depression, panic disorder, or other anxiety disorders. Shared risk factors or overlapping symptoms may contribute to this comorbidity.
• Cognitive Factors.Persistent negative thought patterns, cognitive biases, and an inability to manage and control worry may contribute to the development of GAD.

Treatment for GAD often involves a comprehensive strategy tailored to the individual's specific needs and preferences, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of any co-occurring health conditions. According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, the common treatment modalities for GAD include:

It may be tempting for GAD patients to identify and address the issue right away by self-medicating, but there’s more to treating anxiety than meets the eye.

In many cases, an individual may treat just one aspect of the problem. Without the support and guidance of a psychiatry provider, people may take a specific drug as a quick fix for some of their symptoms while worsening others. Other times, the symptoms could be from a mood disorder, which the patient may interpret as GAD.

We strongly discourage self-medication. Medications prescribed for anxiety should be under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional who carefully considers individual health factors and potential side effects. Self-help strategies, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques, can be beneficial but should not replace professional treatment.

We understand that self-medication isn’t just because patients want to recover the quickest way possible; it could be because they don’t have access to a good psychiatric care provider because of work, education, financial issues, or distance. This is why we offer one-on-one video consultations and provide online anxiety prescriptions.

Our San Diego-based psychiatry practice leverages modern technology to make holistic anxiety treatment as convenient and accessible as possible. Speak to an experienced anxiety specialist and get your anxiety medication prescription online with our tried-and-tested telepsychiatry service!