"What if...?" - this is the mantra of someone suffering from GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). Unlike phobias (fear of spiders) or panic attacks (a sudden outburst), GAD is a state of persistent, "free-floating" anxiety. You worry about everything: health, work, children, war, finances. The anxiety is disproportionate to the threat and difficult to control.
Key Symptoms of GAD (according to DSM-5)
For a diagnosis of GAD, symptoms must last for at least 6 months and include:
- Excessive worrying about multiple everyday concerns.
- Difficulty controlling the worrying.
- At least 3 of the following physical symptoms:
- Restlessness, feeling "keyed up" or on edge.
- Easily fatigued.
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
- Irritability.
- Muscle tension.
- Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep).
Scientific Sources:
- DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
- National Institute of Mental Health: "Generalized Anxiety Disorder".
