Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by continuous excessive worry about life events. It is extremely difficult to control this anxiety, which affects concentration and sleep. Such worry is not proportional to the actual risk or problems. Normally, people worry about paying bills when their homes are near foreclosure, but individuals with generalized anxiety disorder might worry about paying bills even when no financial problems exist. Other common concerns for those with generalized anxiety disorder include health issues, household chores, punctuality, work-related tasks, and competence in various activities. People with generalized anxiety disorder do not always experience panic attacks. Instead, they often struggle with muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, or problems with concentration. Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include:
Excessive anxiety and worry about events or activities (such as work or school performance).
Difficulty controlling the worry.
The anxiety and worry are associated with 3 or more of the following symptoms:
Note: Only one of these symptoms is required for children.
a. Restlessness
b. Being easily fatigued.
c. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
d. Irritability.
e. Muscle tension.
f. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless, unsatisfying sleep).
4. The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
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