Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety Symptoms

The following is a summary of the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder based on the criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association:

  1. “Excessive anxiety and worry” about a situation or event for a period of six months. Feeling anxious about something is not uncommon, but the intensity and duration of that anxiety usually sets it apart from that of a typical occurrence.
  2. Controlling the anxiety and worry is difficult to manage. This criterion is met if the ability to cope, relax, or calm down during while experiencing anxiety, presents a significant struggle.
  3. Experiencing at least one (for children) or three (for adults) of the following symptoms, during most days in a six month period:
    1. Feeling tense, would-up, or restless
    2. Easily becoming worn-out or fatigued
    3. Having difficulty concentrating
    4. Irritability
    5. Significant muscle tension
    6. Having trouble sleeping
  4. The presence of symptoms are not caused by or related to another mental health disorder.
  5. The amount of stress is considered “clinically significant.” This is determined by the evaluation of the mental health provider. Some people are able to maintain a level of high functioning while dealing with many of the symptoms listed above.
  6. Symptoms of anxiety are not the result of substance abuse or a medical condition1.

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1American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Ed., Text Revision). Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association.