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Step 1
Take count. Excessive anxiety and worry about everyday things that persists for more than 6 months is considered generalized anxiety disorder. This constant worry is usually accompanied by a number of physical symptoms, many of which are listed below.
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Step 2
Count your zzz's. Difficulty falling or staying asleep, restless sleep and other types of insomnia are often symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. If persistent worrying is keeping you from getting a good night's sleep and you have other symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, tell your physician. Becoming easily fatigued is also a sign of GAD.
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Step 3
Can you concentrate? Do you get restless and have an inability to focus on everyday tasks like paying bills, cleaning the house or returning phone calls? Do you twitch, tremble or fidget? Difficulty concentrating, as well as its physical manifestations, are also signs generalized anxiety disorder.
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Step 4
Check for physical symptoms. While a mental disorder, GAD can manifest itself in very real physical symptoms. Headaches, muscle aches and pains, sweating, nausea, lightheartedness, hot flashes, frequent urination and difficulty breathing may also be signs of generalized anxiety disorder.
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Step 5
Look for signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness and guilt, irritability, loss of interest in usual activities, decreased energy, change in sleeping and eating patterns, and thoughts of suicide. Generalized anxiety disorder and depression often occur simultaneously in patients.
