Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) makes daily activities difficult and can even negatively affect relationships, states the Mayo Clinic. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) defines all the symptoms that are characteristic of an individual with GAD. Six of these are considered to be somatic including restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbance.
Restlessness
GAD causes individuals to experience physical and emotional tension or panic, which can lead to restlessness. An individual may fret about a real or imagined situation that is causing their anxiety. This can lead to pacing or repetitive ticks or trouble sitting still.
Lack of Energy
Another somatic symptom of GAD is "increased fatigability," which means you are more susceptible to fatigue after mild to moderate activity, according to the DSM-IV. GAD can cause you to feel drained of energy. The body and mind are so caught up in anxiety that you feel tired more quickly than normal. This is also related to another somatic sign of GAD, sleep disturbances. You may struggle to be free pf your obsession over your source of anxiety. Struggling to sleep then leads to more anxiety and even more difficulty falling asleep.
Concentration
If you're struggling with anxiety you may also have trouble concentrating. This can be due to a number of factors associated with the disorder including being tired and obsessing over the troubling situation. Focusing on something other than the disorder may be difficult for some. The effects of the disorder can overwhelm a person's mind and body without proper treatment.
Mood
It's difficult if you're suffering from anxiety to maintain an upbeat. You may be more irritable from the anxiety itself or the symptoms associated with the disorder. Irritability is a somatic symptom of GAD, reports the DSM-IV.
Muscle Tension
Stress and anxiety often go hand-in-hand. Your body tenses up automatically, sometimes without you knowing. Your muscles become tense, which can lead to aches, pains and tissue fatigue.
