Anxiety disorders can cause a person to feel anxious most of the time. Everyday concerns can become so enormous they interfere with family, relationships and school or job performance. Worry can consume the person even though there is often no apparent reason for the concern, the Mayo Clinic says. The syndrome is usually referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. It can be treated with therapy and medication.
Mood Symptoms
A person with generalized anxiety disorder may be plagued by constant worry or obsession with situations that are happening or about to happen, the Mayo Clinic explains. These worries can be about small circumstances or larger problems. People with anxiety disorder may exaggerate simple issues so they become as big as major problems in the mind. Whether it is a small or large concern does not matter. Anxiety disorder intensifies the worry. As result, people may have difficulty concentrating on other events throughout the day. They may always feel on the edge and become irritable or aggravated.
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety disorder leads to restlessness or fatigue because people are consumed with worries. Their muscles can become tense or start aching. They may tremble or feel twitchy. They can't seem to relax and can be startled easily, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). They may suffer from headaches, shortness of breath, sweating or difficulty swallowing. The disorder can lead to insomnia. Nausea or diarrhea may result from the person feeling sick with fear. The symptoms make it difficult for people to carry out simple, everyday tasks. They are usually able to function in their social activities or jobs, but their anxiety disorders can cause problems in those areas.
Childhood Symptoms
Generalized anxiety disorder may begin in childhood or adolescence, the Mayo Clinic says. It may be a sign for teens when their performance drops in school activities or sports. They may worry about getting to school on time or be overly concerned about accidents or possible natural disasters. Children with the disorder may have a lack of confidence or strive for approval from parents, teachers or friends. They may be obsessed with fitting in. Children may develop perfectionist tendencies in which they repeat tasks until they think the project is perfect.
Accompanying Disorder Symptoms
Generalized anxiety disorder often occurs with depression or substance abuse, the NIMH says. The anxiety may lead to or co-exist with other anxiety disorders. Panic disorder or panic attacks may create feelings of terror that suddenly overcome a person, the Cleveland Clinic explains. Obsessive-compulsive disorders produce obsessions that may cause unreasonable fears of germs or disturbing thoughts that cause compulsive behavior. Phobias may develop that bring about a fear of heights, flying, elevators or other fears. Post-traumatic stress disorders stem from a traumatic event that may create bad memories and frightening thoughts about the incident.
