A member asked:

Are people with gad consciously aware of the causes of their anxiety? i feel anxious all the time, but i rarely know why or have an obvious stressor.

16 doctors weighed in across 7 answers
Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

GAD: In generalized anxiety disorder, there is usually constant worrying about most things, and it doesn't need a specific trigger to "go." some things may feel more alarming than others, and sometimes the person focuses on particular areas like health. There's often acute sensitivity to change or the unknown. Therapy focuses on re-training responses, & gradually the person may uncover & deal w/fears.

Answered 5/12/2016

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Dr. Liesa Harte answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

GAD: No, people with generalized anxiety disorder usually do not have anything specific they are anxious about. They are just anxious.

Answered 1/4/2020

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Sometimes: You should explore this with a psychologist or psychiatrist who focuses on therapy. They will be able to help you with this process. It may take time to figure why you are anxious and also help with a treatment plan.

Answered 5/30/2016

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Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

They are not : always aware of the cause of the anxiety. Often it starts early in life snd becomes a habitual pattern. By speaking with a therapist you can begin to start figuring out what is stressing you and learn ways to cope with it.

Answered 4/6/2016

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Generalized anxiety: As you inferred, with GAD you don't necessarily know why you're anxious - it's just a general feeling.

Answered 5/29/2016

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GAD: Hi Cassie, Anxiety comes from your thoughts and beliefs, which become automatic over time. Some people are very aware of what they worry about while others (like you) are less aware. One part of cognitive behavioral therapy is teaching you how to identify these thoughts and then challenge and change the ones that are unfounded.

Answered 7/31/2015

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Shoe to drop: Generalized Anxiety Disorder is akin to waiting for the other shoe to drop. Individuals who have GAD typically don't know what is causing the anxiety, but they do experience a free-floating anxiety as if they are waiting for something to happen. To alleviate symptoms, it might be helpful to start working with a mental health professional.

Answered 8/9/2016

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