Generalized anxiety disorder

Alternative names:

GAD

Symptoms:

• excessive worry
• trembling or feeling shaky
• muscle tension, aches or soreness
• restlessness
• fatigue
• shortness of breath or breathing difficulty, especially lying down
• palpitations
• sweating, skin clammy
• a dry mouth
• dizziness
• nausea, diarrhea
• flushing or chills
• fainting
• difficulty swallowing or lump in the throat
• an exaggerated startle response
• difficulty with concentrating, confusion
• sleep disturbances
• irritability
• feeling keyed up
• complaining of urinary frequency or urgency

Signs and tests:

A physical examination and a psychological evaluation are done. Physical disorders that may mimic an anxiety state are ruled out, and various diagnostic tests may be done in this process.