If you normally get anxious then it’s quite normal. However, if you feel excessive stress or irrational worry about daily life activities or get afraid or have panic attacks when reminded of any distressing situation then it is a great possibility that you are having any mental issues. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common mental illnesses that negatively affect the lives of individuals. In GAD, individuals remain in a persistent stress condition and feel worry even on small things and without any apparent reason. In contrast, PTSD on the other hand develops after the individual experiences any traumatic life situation. Individuals experience unpleasant and frightening thoughts and memories that affect their mental stability and ultimately the quality of life. Understanding the major similarities and differences between GAD and PTSD is significant as it helps in the early identification of the symptoms and the development of a tailored treatment plan accordingly. This article is a comprehensive guide to Generalized anxiety disorder vs PTSD. Moreover, after reading this article, you will also get a complete understanding of each aspect of both mental conditions.

What is Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD)? 

Generalized anxiety is characterized by the continuous phase of stress or anxiety in which individuals remain worried about each aspect of their life including relationships, physical health and professional life. Moreover, they feel that they do not have control over their mind and they are unable to achieve anything in their life. As the family members are the ones who closely notice the changes in behavior they call the GAD individuals “worriers” or “anxious people”.

What is Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD)

They feel that controlling anxiety and living a stress-free life is quite challenging and this in turn also increases their stress or anxiety levels. GAD can occur at any stage of life but children and adolescents are mostly suffered from this mental issue.

Prevalence and demographics

Various recent studies have reported that approximately 6.8 million adults in the USA suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. Moreover, women are more affected by this as compared to men as the prevalence of GAD in women is 7.7% as compared to 4.6% in men.

Symptoms of GAD

The symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder are varied. Moreover, each also exhibits a different type of response to GAD symptoms. In addition, the symptoms of GAD also involve sudden alterations when there is an increase in stress levels. The most common symptoms of GAD are as follows:

1. Psychological symptoms

  • Persistent stress or anxiety
  • Difficulty in focus or concentration
  • Difficulty in making decisions
  • Confused thoughts
  • Irritable behavior
  • Restlessness behavior
  • Sense of worthlessness

2. Physical symptoms

  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Muscle tension and stiffness
  • Disturbance in the sleep-wake cycle
  • Increased heart rate
  • Elevated respiratory rate
  • Headache
  • Muscle ache

Symptoms of GAD

What are the causes of GAD?

The exact cause of GAD is still unknown but most of the individuals are still trying to identify this. However, most researchers believe that there is a combined effect of genetic, biological as well as environmental factors. Some common causes of generalized anxiety disorder include:

  • Prolonged exposure to any stressful environment
  • Presence of any physical illness
  • Genetic factors
  • Neurotransmitter changes
  • Environmental stress factor

What are the causes of GAD)

How is GAD diagnosed?

GAD is also diagnosed by professional mental health experts. For the diagnosis, the symptoms of GAD must be present for at least six months. Moreover, the other criteria that experts consider to diagnose the GAD include:

  • Continuous struggle to deal with stress
  • Impairment of daily functioning
  • Presence of three or more associated symptoms for at least six months
  • The complete absence of any physical illness

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that develops in an individual who has suffered or witnessed any traumatic life situation. The affected individuals feel extra fear, scared or hopeless and always feel that they can suffer again from that unpleasant situation. Any individual can suffer from PTSD irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity or culture.

Prevalence and Demographics

Approximately, 3.6% of US individuals are affected by PTSD every year. Just like GAD and some other common mental issues, the prevalence of PTSD is also more in women (5.2%) as compared to men (1.8%).

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD usually appear within three months of a traumatic event. However, in some cases, symptoms become evident after a few months or years depending on the mental state of the individual. Moreover, symptoms can also persist for a longer period. However, if left untreated then it can disrupt daily life functioning. Just like the GAD symptoms, PTSD symptoms also exhibit diversity and are grouped into the following three main categories:

Symptoms of PTSD

1. Intrusion symptoms 

This involves the occurrence of intrusive, undesired or unwanted thoughts, flashbacks or memories of the traumatic situation. Any environmental stimuli can trigger the onset of intrusion symptoms. Moreover, the occurrence of intrusive thoughts can in turn also increase the stress levels.

2. Re-experiencing symptoms 

This involves the occurrence of nightmares and extreme levels of anxiety when they recall that situation.

3. Avoidance symptoms 

They usually avoid those situations or events that give them recall of their previous life traumatic situation. Therefore due to their fear, they prefer to stay alone instead of engaging in any social activity or social gathering.

4. Arousal symptoms

This involves irritable behavior, hyperarousal, and concentration issues as well as irritable behavior.

What are the causes of PTSD?

Multiple factors can trigger the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals:

  • Physical loss or injury
  • Financial loss
  • Childhood, sexual or domestic abuse
  • Bad experiences related to childbirth such as pregnancy loss
  • Death of any loved one
  • Sudden accident
  • Exposure to conflict or war

How is Post Traumatic Stress disorder diagnosed?

Mental health professionals can better diagnose PTSD in adolescents and adults. For effective diagnosis, symptoms should be present for at least a month. Other common factors that help in diagnosis include:

  • Presence of at least one avoidance symptom
  • Presence of at least one re-experiencing symptom
  • Presence of at least two mood symptoms
  • Presence of at least two arousal and reactivity symptoms

Similarities between GAD and PTSD

As both GAD and PTSD are common mental health disorders, some symptoms usually overlap or exhibit similarities. Due to this, it becomes quite difficult to differentiate between GAD and PTSD. Some common overlapping symptoms include:

  • Extreme stress or worrying behavior
  • Emotional distress
  • Irritability
  • Sleep issues
  • Hypervigilance
  • Difficulty in focus or concentration
  • Excessive sweating
  • Impaired functioning
  • Avoidance behavior

Major Differences between GAD and PTSD

Generalized anxiety disorder Post Traumatic stress disorder
Chronic anxiety can occur from any issue Anxiety is specifically linked to trauma
The most common symptoms include extreme and most often stress or anxiety, a sense of hopelessness etc Most common PTSD symptoms include scary nightmares, flashbacks and avoidance behavior
The history of anxiety is long and consistent Sudden and intense anxiety in response to trauma
Anxiety can stem from any undesired situation Anxiety is specifically linked to traumatic event
The onset of GAD symptoms can occur due to multiple internal and external factors The onset of PTSD symptoms is limited to a specific event
Caused by genetic and environmental factors etc Directly caused by the traumatic events
The onset is gradual or progressive The onset occurs within the first month of the traumatic experience
GAD is most common in women PTSD is most common in Women
The common co-curring disorder is depression, substance abuse disorder Co-curring disorder is depression, substance abuse disorder and other anxiety disorders
The risk of GAD is higher between childhood and teenage. The risk of GAD is high in the adolescent stages
Affects the personal and professional life Negatively affects the life functioning due to flashbacks and intrusive memories
GAD is treated by cognitive behavioral therapy, medications or both. PTSD is treated by trauma-focused therapy and medications

Major Differences between GAD and PTSD

Can GAD and PTSD occur at the same time?

Yes. Both GAD and PTSD can occur together at the same time. There is a greater probability that individuals suffering from PTSD can also experience other anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder.

Multiple studies have reported that approximately 80% of individuals with PTSD are also diagnosed with anxiety disorder. If both GAD and PTSD occur together then individuals face more difficulty as it becomes more challenging. Symptoms of both mental issues can exacerbate each other symptoms.

Neurobiological Mechanisms of GAD and PTSD

Just like a few symptoms, some neurobiological mechanisms of both GAD and PTSD also overlap and different brain structures are involved in generating responses to both mental issues.

1. Amygdala

The amygdala is the main region of the brain that is involved in generating emotional responses and fear. In the case of generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, the emotional response increases. Moreover, this also results the hyperactivity and increased fear conditioning.

2. Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)

This brain region is also responsible for regulating the emotions. Moreover, decision-making is also the responsibility of this region. During the PTSD, this region is not completely activated which in turn negatively affects the emotional stability. Moreover, this also results the increased hypervigilance.

3. Insula

The insula also contributes to controlling thoughts and emotions. If this brain region is more activated then it results the increased levels of anxiety.

Fear Learning and Generalization

1. Fear Conditioning

PTSD is directly involved in fear conditioning. The hyperactivation of the amygdala results in fear conditioning which in turn makes it difficult for individuals to distinguish between secure and unsecured or threatening stimuli. Ultimately fear response is generated which is common in both GAD and PTSD.

2. Fear Generalization

In PTSD, individuals become adapted to generate the fear response towards every fearful situation. This occurs due to increased sensitivity towards the varied signals and also results the increased levels of stress or anxiety.

Impact of GAD and PTSD on life

Both GAD and PTSD exhibit a severe negative effect on the lives of individuals. Affected children are unable to pay attention in their classroom and also face difficulty in learning. Likewise, teenagers and adults also face difficulties in their personal and professional lives. They don’t easily make bonds with others and prefer to stay alone. The symptoms of both GAD and PTSD led to their withdrawal from social gatherings. Their isolation also increases their stress or anxiety which in turn affects the quality of their life.

Treatment of GAD and PTSD

1. Treatment of GAD

Although both GAD and PTSD can affect life functioning, fortunately with the help of some effective treatment options, you can recover. Multiple treatment approaches involve medications and psychotherapy.

2. Psychotherapy 

Psychotherapy also known as talk therapy helps individuals to restructure their distorted and negative thought patterns and then change their behavior accordingly. The following types of psychotherapy are commonly used by the experts:

3. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the widely used form of psychotherapy that is employed to treat GAD. Individuals dealing with generalized anxiety disorder remain lost in their unhealthy and negative thoughts and therefore unable to exhibit positive behavior. Cognitive experts usually guide them to only focus on positive thoughts and avoid negative thoughts. With time, individuals learn to cultivate healthy and productive healthy patterns that also positively shape their behavior.

4. Medications for GAD

Following psychiatric medications are recommended by the experts to manage the symptoms of GAD:

5. Antidepressants 

Antidepressants are specialized medications that work against severe forms of anxiety, and depression. They belong to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Moreover, antidepressants may take multiple weeks to become effective.

6. Anti-anxiety medication

Anti-anxiety medications are effective in treating severe GAD symptoms. However, the excessive intake of anti-ancy medications for a longer period can develop tolerance in individuals. Therefore mental health experts usually recommend anti-anxiety medication for a shorter period to prevent tolerance.

7. Treatment of PTSD

Trauma-focused therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. The main goal of this therapy is to overcome the thoughts and emotions associated with trauma. With the help of this therapy, individuals learn how they can overcome their intrusive thoughts and fear associated with flashbacks. Instead of just extracting the negative points from harsh life experiences, individuals learn to acknowledge them and grab positive life lessons from them.

8. Cognitive Processing therapy

Cognitive processing therapy is a type of trauma-focused therapy which helps overcome PTSD. Individuals suffering from PTSD usually get stuck to specific negative thoughts, But with the help of this therapy, they learn to avoid the stuck points and only focus on the positive memories so they feel better and mentally relaxed.

9. Prolonged exposure therapy

Prolonged exposure therapy is also a type of trauma-focused psychotherapy. In this therapy, individuals are asked to face their trauma-related fears, situations or objects. They recall those events or memories that are linked to trauma or directly face the traumatic situation again to develop tolerance and build confidence to overcome them. With time, individuals learn to stop bothering from PTSD symptoms and experience the improved qulaity of life.

Medications for PTSD

Experts recommend selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to diminish the symptoms of PTSD. However, the SSRIs can start working and showing effectiveness after 12 weeks of the intake. Some common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include:

  • Sertraline
  • Paroxetine

Other medications which are also helpful in the PTSD treatment include:

  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Mood stabilizers
  • Alpha 1 Blockers

Professional help for GAD and PTSD

Each mental illness can affect mental health and ultimately the quality of life, but remember that both can be treated with the help of therapy and medication. If you or your loved one is suffering from GAD and PTSD then we are here to provide professional help. At Advanced Health Preference Group, you can find the best and most effective treatment options that can help you eradicate the symptoms of both mental issues. Moreover, with other mental health counselling, you can learn coping strategies to overcome the symptoms of both GAD and PTSD.

Related Article:
Panic disorder vs generalised anxiety disorder

FAQs

  • Q: What is the difference between GAD and PTSD?
    A: GAD involves the long or persistent phase of anxiety while PTSD comprises the experience of stress or anxiety after exposure to any traumatic event.
  • Q: Is PTSD an anxiety disorder?
    A: No. PTSD is not any anxiety disorder. According to DSM-5, it is categorized as a "trauma and stressor-related disorder".
  • Q: Can you get disability for PTSD and GAD?
    A: Yes. If both PTSD and GAD affect daily life functioning then they are categorized as a disability