Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition, affecting approximately 5% of the global population.
This disorder can manifest at an early age, with statistics showing that about one-third of individuals with GAD first experience symptoms during childhood or adolescence. GAD is characterized by its chronic nature; however, its impact on daily functioning varies, often resulting in the condition going unnoticed and undiagnosed.
Key Characteristics of GAD
The hallmark of GAD is the presence of persistent, excessive anxiety and worry that occurs more frequently than not over a span of at least six months.
These worries typically revolve around everyday life events or activities, ranging from concerns about work or academic performance to apprehensions about health, financial stability, and family matters.
Unlike the realistic anxiety that might arise from immediate life challenges, such as job loss, the worries associated with GAD often centre around improbable events and minor issues, highlighting an individual’s struggle to manage these pervasive thoughts
A distinctive feature of GAD is the difficulty individuals face in controlling their worries, which are predominantly future-oriented. This constant preoccupation with potential future events, rather than present circumstances, is a significant source of distress.
Moreover, individuals with GAD frequently exhibit an intolerance of uncertainty, exacerbating their inability to cope with ambiguous situations
Physical and Emotional Manifestations
In addition to cognitive symptoms, GAD is accompanied by a variety of physical and emotional manifestations. Common symptoms include
GAD Checklist and Seeking Help
Other physiological responses may include an increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, nausea, trembling, and feelings of losing control or going insane. In some instances, individuals may resort to alcohol, recreational drugs, or non-prescription medications as a means of coping with the unrelenting anxiety
To aid in the identification and understanding of GAD, a comprehensive checklist outlining common symptoms has been developed.
This checklist not only serves as a tool for self-assessment but also facilitates communication with healthcare providers.
