Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a condition where you have anxiety that could range from a mild uneasiness to full on feelings of dread, present for a period of time, and is severe enough to affect your quality of life.

The criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, according to the definition in the DSM-IV criteria are:

1. For at least six months the person had more days full of anxiety and apprehension then not.

2. There is difficult dealing with the anxiety and apprehension.

3. Have three or more of the following associated with the anxiety and apprehension:

• Restlessness or feeling on edge.
• Get tired easily.
• Concentration problems and mind going blank.
• Irritability.
• Muscle tension.
• Problems falling or staying asleep.

4. Anxiety and apprehension not associated with another disorder. (E.g., drug abuse, general medical condition, medication, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Specific Phobia )

5. Must be impairment in important areas of functioning. (E.g., work, social life, … )

6. Not due to a substance, general medical condition, or other disorder.

Some people don't have symptoms that meet all these criteria but still have symptoms of genealised anxiety that is bad enough to affect their life and their real potential as a human being both now and in the future.

If you meet these strict criteria or even if you don't, and it's affecting your life, it's equally important to find the help you need to control your anxiety and improve your life.