If you suspect you have GAD, it’s important to get diagnosed by a medical professional, as GAD can be difficult to diagnose. It lacks dramatic and obvious symptoms such as unprovoked panic attacks, that characterize some other anxiety disorders.
It is not traceable to a particular traumatic incident, like posttraumatic stress disorder. Nor is it a response to a particular external stimulus, such as riding in an elevator, which is true of other phobias, says the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
However, its physical symptoms can be typical of many other disorders. Sometimes patients with GAD suffer from other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, substance abuse and depression. If this is the case, the care provider will have to decide which is the primary factor.
Regardless, quietly suffering constant worry and associated physical symptoms because of embarrassment or fear is unnecessary. GAD is extremely treatable through a medication, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy and can be diagnosed accurately by an experienced medical professional.
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Last reviewed:
On March 27, 2006
By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
