Characteristics of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a type of disorder where the patient deals with frequent and constant worry and anxiety every day. Generalized anxiety disorder is different from normal stress, as generalized anxiety disorder can interfere in the patient's life and prevent him in engaging in daily activities. Diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is done with the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," or "DSM-IV."

Concentration

Patients with generalized anxiety disorder will have problems concentrating. Effects from lack of concentration include difficulty learning and creating new memories. According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," the concentration symptom of generalized anxiety disorder can be misconstrued as other disorders, like bipolar disorder, ADD and ADHD.

Sleep Disturbances

Generalized anxiety disorder sufferers have sleep disturbances, such as problems falling asleep and staying asleep. Patients can have restless sleep and not feel refreshed after a night of sleep. The restlessness during sleep can carry over to during the day as well.

Excessive Worry

Anxiety and worry associated with generalized anxiety disorder is excessive. Patients will have problems controlling their worry even when they use stress-reducing techniques. In addition, the anxiety that patients experience is out of proportion to the situation.

Intestinal Problems

One of the body's responses to stress is intestinal and stomach problems. Examples of intestinal problems include cramps, diarrhea and feeling ill. If the intestinal symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder are not treated, they can develop into irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.

Breathing

As part of the anxiety response, generalized anxiety disorder patients can have shortness of breath or can hyperventilate. During shortness of breath, some patients may feel like they are choking. If they hyperventilate instead, their heart rate can rise and they can also experience palpitations.

Sweating

Excessive sweating is also a characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder. The excessive sweating can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common location is in the hands.