General anxiety disorders
General anxiety disorders are different from other disorders from the same range (obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, and panic attacks).
In this article, we will describe the features of general anxiety disorder in particular.
General anxiety disorders are characterized by the following
- Persistent anxiety – it lasts for a period of at least six months;
- Generalized anxiety – strong tension; a sense of upcoming trouble; anxiety that is present throughout the day and is accompanied by a variety of fears and apprehension;
- Unfixed anxiety – it is not limited to any specific circumstances.
There are 3 typical symptoms of general anxiety disorders:
1. Anxiety and fear that are hard to control and that last longer than usual. The anxiety is generalized and not focused on a specific problem. For comparison purposes, stated are localized fears that are common for other types of anxiety disorders. In case of panic attacks, the fear may be focused on the impending panic attack. In case of social phobia, the fear may be focused on having to speak in public. In case of obsessive-compulsive disorders, the fear may be localized on becoming contaminated.
2. Motor tension, which can be expressed in muscle tension, tremor, inability to relax, headaches (usually bilateral).
3. Hyperactivity of the autonomic nervous system, which is expressed in sweating, heart palpitations, dry mouth, gastric discomfort and dizziness.
Other mental symptoms are irritability, poor concentration and sensitivity to noise. Some patients complain of poor memory. Other motor symptoms include sore and stiff muscles, especially in the back and shoulder area.
Physical symptoms can be grouped as follows:
- Gastrointestinal: dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, gastric discomfort, excessive gas, and rumbling in the stomach;
- Breathing: compression of the chest and difficulty inhaling;
- Cardiovascular: discomfort in the chest area, palpitations;
- Urogenital: frequent urination, loss of erection, decreased libido, menstrual disorders, and temporary amenorrhea;
- Nervous system: feeling off balance, blurred vision, and dizziness.
Patients will ask for help regarding any of the above symptoms, not realizing that these could be symptoms of anxiety.
General anxiety disorders are also characterized by sleep disturbances. Patients may have trouble falling asleep and wake up with anxiety. Sleep is often interrupted by bad dreams. It can also be nightmares, with the patients waking up in terror. Sometimes they remember the nightmares, while other times they don’t know why they woke up terrified. Patients with general anxiety disorders may wake up not feeling well rested. Early awakening is usually not characteristic to anxiety. If it is present, it may indicate a depressive disorder rather than an anxiety disorder.
A person with general anxiety disorders can also have a specific appearance. Their face may look tense; they may have frowning brows, tense posture, and seem restless. Their skin may be pale. The person may often sweat (hands, feet). The symptoms may resemble depression, which at first can lead the doctor to think of depression.
Other symptoms of general anxiety disorders are fatigue, depressive and obsessive symptoms, and depersonalization. However, these are not the leading symptoms. Some patients occasionally experience hyperventilation and dizziness.
In children and adolescents with general anxiety disorders, the range of the symptoms is often more limited and specific symptoms are often less pronounced.
