GAD; Anxiety disorder
Symptoms
Generalized anxiety disorder has the following symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty controlling worry
- Excess anxiety and worry that is out of proportion to the situation most of the time
- Excessive sweating,
palpitations , shortness of breath, and stomach/intestinal symptoms - Fatigue
- Irritability
- Muscle tension -- shakiness, headaches
- Restlessness or feeling keyed up or "on the edge"
- Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep; or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
Depression and substance abuse may occur with an anxiety disorder.
Signs and tests
A physical examination and psychological evaluation can rule out other causes of anxiety. The health care provider should rule out physical disorders that may mimic anxiety, as well as symptoms caused by drugs. This process may include different tests.
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