*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Anxiety Disorder Signs

If you're experiencing symptoms of anxiety over a long period of time, you may have an anxiety disorder.

For more information about symptoms, read anxiety, fear and panic.

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a long-term condition that can make you feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event.

You may have GAD if:

your worrying is uncontrollable and causes distress
your worrying affects your daily life, including school, your job and your social life
you cannot let go of your worries
you worry about all sorts of things, such as your job or health, and minor concerns, such as household chores

You should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or causing you distress. They can diagnose your condition based on your symptoms, which may include:

feeling restless or on edge
being irritable
getting tired easily
having difficulty concentrating or feeling your mind goes blank
having difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep
having tense muscles

If you're diagnosed with GAD, there is treatment available. Read more information about treating GAD.

Other types of anxiety disorder

There are several other types of anxiety disorder, including:

panic disorder - a condition where you have recurring, regular panic attacks; for more information, see anxiety, fear and panic
phobias - an extreme or irrational fear of something, like an animal or a place
agoraphobia - a fear related to situations such as leaving home, being in crowds or travelling alone
obsessive compulsive disorder - a condition that usually involves unwanted thoughts or urges, and repetitive behaviours
post-traumatic stress disorder - a condition caused by frightening or distressing events

Further information

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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