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- One of the anxiety disorders, where anxiety is so chronic, persistent, and
pervasive that it seems free-floating. The individual is jittery and strained,
distractible and apprehensive that something bad is about to happen. A pounding
heart, fast pulse and breathing, sweating, flushing, muscle aches, a lump in the
throat, and an upset gastrointestinal tract are some of the bodily indications
of this extreme anxiety.
- (GAD) Anxiety neurosis; characterized by unrealistic or excessive anxiety,
apprehensive expectations, and worry about many life circumstances (e.g.,
academic, athletic, or social performance). A mother may worry endlessly
about her child, who is in no danger. The worry is associated with
symptoms such as trembling, muscle tension, restlessness, feelings of being
smothered, lightheadedness, insomnia, exaggerated startle response, or
difficulty in concentration. The worrying is difficult to control, and
with associated symptoms, often social or occupational functioning is impaired.
When id occurs in adolescence, generalized anxiety disorder is termed
overanxious disorder by some. Symptoms include multiple, unrealistic,
anxieties concerning the quality of one's performance in school, at work, or in
sports, and of one's health or appearance, accompanied by the need to be
reassured.
Source: Edgerton, Jane E. 1994. American Psychiatric Glossary, 7th Edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press
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