Worry Wart or Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Worrying can be something that you have done all of your life. You can probably remember times as a child when you worried about things that never crossed other childrens' mind. Now you are all grown up and you still worry but you worry about things to larger degree because you have more responsibility. You may worry about things that never have happened just because you have the fear that it may happen. Or you may ruminate about events that have happened even though the situations have been resolved. You worry about yourself and loved ones. People around you may even tell you that you worry too much and that you need to stop worrying so much. The problem is that you can't stop and it frustrates you because you know that your loved ones are right.

When does worrying too much and not being able to control the worry cross the line from just being a natural worrier to a mental disorder such as, Generalized Anxiety Disorder? Some people can worry everyday, all day but not be characterized as having an Anxiety Disorder. It may just be part of their personality and they are able to live effectively without any intervention such as counseling or medication. As long as your worrying does not interrupt your normal everyday living (such as work or school) and you are able to enjoy activities as you normally have in the past than your worrying level may be normal for you. Everyone worries and some worry more than others without signifying a problem.

However, if you feel that your worrying is out of control and you feel that your worrying has taken over your life; you may be suffering from an Anxiety Disorder. Individuals with Anxiety Disorders have trouble sleeping, concentrating and feel tension throughout the day. In the DSM-IV, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized as excessively worrying and having anxiety consistently for at least 6 months about several events or circumstances in your life; you cannot control your worry; and the individual experiences at least three of the following symptoms: (1) restlessness or feeling on edge (2) fatigued (3) concentrating becomes difficult (4) experiencing irritability (5) tense muscles (6) trouble falling or staying asleep (unsatisfying restless sleep). The anxiety and worry will impair an individual's social, occupational or other important daily activities. GAD is not due to any physiological effects from substances such as drug abuse or medications. GAD cannot be a result of a medical condition or other disorder such as a Mood Disorder, Psychotic Disorder or a Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

If you feel that you fit the criteria for GAD, there is help out there for you. Please speak to your healthcare professional for an evaluation so that they can diagnose you accurately and start treatment if needed. Living everyday with excessive worry and anxiety is not a healthy or happy way to live. It's up to you to make your life satisfying and fulfilling, so free yourself from worry by getting the help that you need.

References: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Copyright 2000 American Psychiatric Association