Which anxiety disorder is most common?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder. GAD is a very common anxiety disorder and impacts millions of people each year. The most common age group that GAD is diagnosed is aged 35-50. It is most commonly diagnosed in females than males, and medical professionals' treatment is recommended [Retrieved from: www.mayoclinic.org].

The symptoms of GAD can vary from person to person; however, the most common symptoms are the following: constant worry, catastrophic thinking, struggling with unknown things, having a hard time concentrating, fixating on specific thoughts of fear or worry, restlessness, or constant fear and playing out worst-case scenarios in events that may or may not be threatening.

The physical symptoms of GAD can also vary depending on the person and the level of anxiety they are experiencing. They can include the following: tightness in their chest, increased heart rate and, for some, trouble catching their breath, inability to sleep or stay asleep due to constant thoughts, sweating, upset stomach with nausea and diarrhea, having a hard time concentrating, or staying focused, dizziness or feeling light-headed, shaking and muscle tension.

Several different factors can cause GAD. These can include both biological or environmental factors, either current or in the past. GAD can be heredity and passed down genetically, and it can also be in response to a traumatic life event. GAD can be difficult to diagnose because it often occurs with other similar mental health disorders. These can include panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

GAD can cause serious complications if left untreated for long periods of time. Some risk factors that can develop are the following: Insomnia, stomach issues, long term headaches that can lead to migraines caused by increased muscle tension.  

If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of GAD or any other mental health issues over an extended period of time, it is important to reach out to your doctor or speak to a therapist. Anxiety can be overwhelming, but it can be resolved fairly quickly with the proper care and treatment plan.