We learned about anxiety in the last chapter. Today, we will focus on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (or GAD for short), its symptoms, and causes, as this is one of the most commonly seen types of anxiety disorders.

Patients suffering from GAD often feel anxious, nervous, and frightened. They may experience sleeping problems and have a short attention span. Many physical symptoms appear as well, such as tense muscles, aches, fatigue, tension headaches, restlessness, an inability to relax, trembling, frequent rubbing of the palms, chest pains, palpitations, or a racing heartbeat.

These symptoms may also be accompanied by frequent breathlessness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and frequent trips to the toilet with little discharge. Patients may also experience dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, and excessive perspiration.

Individuals with GAD often exhibit high vigilance and sensitivity to their surroundings. They are easily startled by noises or sights, which can drive them into a state of irritability or anger. With these symptoms manifesting, the patient may begin to suspect they have a serious illness, which in turn fuels further anxiety and exacerbates their symptoms......

For Discussion:

1. What are the characteristics of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? When should you seek medical help?
2. What are the main causes of GAD?
3. What are the consequences of refusing treatment when diagnosed with anxiety?