Anxiety can be much more subtle than panic attacks or being terrified of the future. Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and phobias, can look different. About 4.4% of the world population have an anxiety disorder according to the World Health Organization. In the US, the number is one in five adults, according to the CDC.

Core Symptom

According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual used by clinicians in the U.S., generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive anxiety or worry, occurring most days for at least six months.

Common signs include restlessness, feeling on edge, getting tired easily, trouble concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep difficulties, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

The worries often center around everyday concerns — like work tasks, family health, or even small things such as household chores, car maintenance, or upcoming appointments.

Additional Symptoms

To be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, excessive worry must be accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms, according to the National Institute of Mental Health: 

• Restlessness or feeling "on edge."

• Fatigue — feeling tired even when you haven’t done much.

• Difficulty concentrating or your mind going blank.

• Irritability.

• Muscle tension, such as in shoulders, jaw, or neck.

• Sleep problems, such as trouble falling or staying asleep, or unsatisfying sleep.

How Can I Check For Sure?

You can take the GAD-7 questionnaire. It includes seven questions that assess how often you've been bothered by symptoms in the last two weeks — such as feeling nervous, trouble relaxing, or worrying too much. 

A score of 10 or more is considered a reasonable cut-off to identify a potential anxiety disorder, though a proper diagnosis must be made by a healthcare professional.

What Should I Do Next?

Follow up with your healthcare provider about which therapies and medications may help you feel better.

If you are interested in trying supplements as well, read an article about the role of lithium in mental health.