After days, weeks, or months of being on edge, nervous, and afraid, you’ve finally figured out what the problem is. Or so you thought.
With the help of online quizzes, research, and talking to loved ones, you’ve narrowed it down to anxiety. You thought that your problem would stop there after learning more about the signs, symptoms, and ways to cope, but of course, it wouldn’t be that easy. On top of that, you didn’t realize how many different types of anxiety disorders there were.
You thought that you’d be able to find a resolution once you figured out what the problem was, but now you have to determine what type of anxiety disorder you may have.
Now, you’re trying to determine whether you have GAD or high-functioning anxiety. Is high-functioning anxiety really all that different from GAD? Let’s find out!
What is High-Functioning Anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder. Individuals with high-functioning anxiety still experience anxiety, but they are able to better manage their daily life. Usually, anxiety can leave an individual frozen in fear. Individuals with high-functioning anxiety actually use their anxiety as a way to push forward.
These are some of the most common characteristics of people with high-functioning anxiety:
- Detail-oriented
- Loyal
- Outgoing
- Proactive
- Punctual
What is GAD?
GAD stands for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Generalized Anxiety Disorder happens when there are long-term feelings of anxiety or irrational thoughts in broad situations instead of single, isolated incidences.
These are some of the most common worries with GAD:
- Career
- Death
- Finances
- Health and Wellness
- Relationships
The Similarities
Generalized Anxiety Disorder and high-functioning anxiety are very similar types of anxiety disorders. They both share a lot of the same signs and symptoms, which is one of the reasons that they are often misdiagnosed.
Here are the most common symptoms of the two disorders:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Digestive issues
- Fatigue
- Hyperventilation
- Increased heart rate
- Irritable
- Restlessness
- Shaking or trembling
The Difference Between GAD and High-Functioning Anxiety
The main difference between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and high-functioning anxiety disorder is how an individual may respond to stressors or triggers.
The difference lies in the fight and flight response. Individuals suffering from GAD will usually respond based on their flight response. Most of the time, individuals with GAD will attempt to remove themselves from any stressful or triggering situations. Some of the most common ways that individuals may use a flight response are by withdrawing from areas of their life that may be causing an increase in their anxiety. Some individuals may even have a breakdown or a mental shutdown to avoid their anxiety instead of confronting it head-on. Obsessions and compulsions may also be used as a way to try to control or better manage the signs and symptoms they’re experiencing.
Individuals suffering from high-functioning anxiety will rely on their fight response. An individual will usually push themself harder or throw themselves into their work in order to push the anxiety aside. High-functioning individuals may be fixated on certain aspects of their career or personal life by trying to hit certain milestones or achievements or checking off items on their to-do lists. These types of individuals are hyperfocused on their routines, schedules, and habits. They may even develop other mental health issues like physical aches and pains, nervous ticks, or insomnia.
Next Steps
Help is available to you no matter what type of anxiety you may be dealing with. You’re not alone. Many individuals all across the world deal with anxiety every single day. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to reach out for help. Your anxiety doesn’t define you and shouldn’t be taking over your life.
If you’re interested in learning more about your anxiety and finding ways to better manage it, reach out today to set up a consultation for anxiety therapy.