(HealthDay News) -- Are you constantly worrying about your health, finances, family or career?
If you've spent at least six months fretting excessively about a number of everyday problems, you may be experiencing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), says the National Institute of Mental Health. It's a condition that affects about 4 million American adults.
People with GAD are consumed with worry, even when there's no apparent trigger. It's much more than the normal anxiety associated with daily life. People with GAD find it hard to dismiss their worry, even when they know it's more than the situation warrants.
GAD is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, muscle tension and muscle aches. You may also find you have difficultly relaxing, concentrating or sleeping, and you may startle more easily than others.
But constant worry needn't be a way of life. GAD is often treated with medication. The condition typically occurs in conjunction with another anxiety disorder, depression or substance abuse, which will need treatment, as well.
