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Symptoms of GAD

People with GAD tend to:

• worry a lot about everyday things • have trouble controlling their worry • worry about worrying too much • have a hard time relaxing • have a hard time concentrating • be easily startled • feel tired a lot but have trouble sleeping

• have headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained pain • have trouble swallowing • tremble or twitch • feel irritable • sweat a lot or feel light-headed • go to the bathroom a lot

Having one or even a few of these symptoms does not mean a person definitely has an anxiety disorder. But these symptoms could be a sign of a problem.

Having GAD can feel a lot like how you feel before taking a test. The difference is that after the test is over, you feel better. With GAD, there is no test, and the feeling doesn’t go away.

People with GAD have trouble controlling their chronic worry. Their worry keeps them from leading a regular life. They may feel restless or grouchy. They may have trouble sleeping. Many people with GAD also have physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, backaches, and headaches. People with GAD might have panic attacks, which makes them feel sweaty, nauseous, or shaky.

Did You Know?

Anxiety disorders affect about 18 percent of the population of the United States.