Individuals suffering from anxiety are extremely unsure and fearful. A certain amount of anxiety is normal but excessive anxiety can adversely affect the normal functioning and cause problems in personal as well are professional life of individuals. Around 18% of individuals in America suffer from anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder is among the different anxiety disorders affecting individuals.

Many people tend to worry about the professional or personal problems or about issues like their health and money. However individuals experiencing generalized anxiety disorder may worry about these and other issues even when there are no real reason to worry. Such individuals tend to feel extremely anxious through the day and they often believe that things will always go wrong. These individuals may not be able to perform their everyday tasks well because of the excessive worrying.

The symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder include worrying about everyday things that lasts for a period of six months minimum, inability to relax, problems in concentrating and sleeping problems. Those suffering from this condition may also have physical symptoms that may include fatigue, headache, trembling, muscle tension, feeling light headed, getting hot flashes, sweating and feeling irritable. People suffering from this condition tend to indulge in excessive thinking and the unending cycle of worry and anxiety can also result in depression.

Generalized anxiety disorder tends to develop rather slowly and it starts between the childhood and the middle ages of individuals. The symptoms associated with this condition may get better or worse through different times and in times of stress the symptoms may become worse. Those suffering from this condition may visit the doctor several times seeking treatment for the physical symptoms like headaches, weakness etc.

In the initial stages the doctor will conduct an examination of the patient to rule out the possibility of a physical condition or problem causing the symptoms. Once a physical condition has been ruled out the patient may be referred to a mental health professional. The diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is made after carefully evaluating the symptoms and after ensuring that these symptoms are experienced for a period of minimum six months.

Based on the symptoms and their severity treatment for generalized anxiety disorder may be planned. The treatment may include medicines like anti anxiety drugs, antidepressants or beta blockers. The prescribed medicines usually take a period of few weeks before they start working. This condition may be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and in some cases there is a history of family members suffering from generalized anxiety disorder.

In some cases of generalized anxiety disorder patients may experience mood fluctuations on an hourly basis while other may have a few good days followed by bad days. Some other may feel better at a particular time during the day. People suffering from this condition may also display startled reactions and may find it difficult to completely relax. This condition tends to respond well to cognitive behavioural therapy. The techniques in this therapy help patients to reduce their anxiety and associated symptoms.