Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Symptoms and Diagnosis
A generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a surprisingly common condition. It typically occurs in those who have had an event deemed stressful. The main symptoms are disorientation, agitation, and inability to comprehend stimuli. However, there are several other symptoms.
A GAD is not the same as depression, though they do share some of the same symptoms. An individual with an acute stress reaction will display many of the same symptoms, and may experience a similar reaction to a different event or even another mental disorder. In contrast, a depressive patient will have a more pronounced set of symptoms, and the effects are usually only temporary. A somatoform disorder, such as a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is much more complicated. Some patients will display symptoms for only a few hours, whereas others may have them for days or even weeks. If the symptoms persist, then a change of diagnosis is in order.
The best way to determine if you or a loved one has an acute stress reaction is to have a close friend or family member take a look at your symptoms. You may want to consider having a doctor run a few tests to get an idea of what is going on. Once you have a good sense of what is going on, you can better plan your next course of action. There are many possible causes for this, including stress, fatigue, depression, and other psychiatric conditions. Symptoms often improve with treatment, and a therapist or doctor can provide useful advice and guidance.
