What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or “GAD?” Is it the same thing as worrying a lot?

If you worry a lot, other things may happen. You may be tense and you may not sleep too well. You may not be able to concentrate very well, and even may think that you have memory problems. You may have muscle tension and you may feel restless and be “jumpy.”

How does a doctor diagnose GAD? He or she would ask you about these symptoms. Many doctors use a list of symptoms from the DSM, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, of the American Psychiatric Association. (Click here if you’re interested in reading more about the DSM on Wikipedia.) If you have the right symptoms, and don’t have other reasons for having them (for example, an illness with your thyroid gland), then you may have GAD.

Do you want to take a short screening test about GAD? You can find one on the website of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, ADAA. Click here to go to their GAD test.

Treatments for GAD include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. More in our next post.