Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder services offered in South Elgin, IL

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects nearly 3% of adults in the United States. Are you constantly struggling with anxiousness, worry, or fear? Turn to OHR Health and Wellness in Elgin, Illinois, for expert care. Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Jaya Luis, APRN, PMHNP-BC, diagnoses and treats anxiety disorders to help you find a sense of calm. Schedule a mental health evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Q&A


What is generalized anxiety disorder?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a type of anxiety disorder affecting your thoughts and behaviors. It can make you feel anxious more often than your peers, especially in everyday situations. Left untreated, extreme worry and fear can negatively affect your quality of life. See Jaya at OHR Health and Wellness at the first sign of an anxiety disorder for symptom relief. 

What are the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?

Generalized anxiety disorder can cause:

  • Overthinking plans and solutions
  • Persistent worry and anxiousness that is out of proportion
  • Difficulty handling uncertainty
  • Inability to relax
  • Restlessness
  • Perceiving harmless situations as threatening
  • Indecisiveness
  • Fear of making wrong decisions
  • Inability to let go of worry
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Always being on edge
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Physical aches and pains or tension
  • Nervousness
  • Getting startled easily
  • Trembling
  • Sweating
  • Irritability
  • Nausea, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal concerns

You might always have a sense that something bad is going to happen because of generalized anxiety disorder. It can cause distress at work, in school, and in other social situations. 

What may increase the risk of generalized anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorder risk factors include:

  • Brain changes
  • Genetics
  • Family history of anxiety disorders
  • Certain personality traits
  • Trauma
  • Chronic medical illnesses
  • Other mental health disorders

Conditions that may appear with general anxiety disorder include phobias, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and substance misuse. 

How is generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosing generalized anxiety disorder consists of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. Jaya discusses your symptoms, medical history, moods, emotions, thoughts, fears, behaviors, and lifestyle habits. She tailors a plan that eases worry in everyday situations to help you flourish. 

How is generalized anxiety disorder treated?

Your personalized generalized anxiety disorder treatment may consist of medication management, lifestyle modifications, and psychotherapy.

Jaya offers cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and other forms of therapy to help you overcome debilitating thoughts and/or behaviors. She can refer you to a support group when appropriate.

It’s also helpful to stay active, prioritize sleep, manage stress with relaxation techniques, eat nutritious foods, maintain a social support network, and avoid smoking, drugs, and alcohol. 

Schedule a generalized anxiety disorder evaluation at OHR Health and Wellness by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.