Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD involves persistent, wide-ranging worry that is difficult to control and begins to consume attention, energy and everyday freedom.
What GAD can feel like
The mind may move from one possible threat to another: health, work, money, family or ordinary decisions. The concerns may be realistic, but their intensity, duration and reach are greater than the situation calls for. Unlike a short period of stress, the worry does not settle easily when one problem is resolved.
Common accompanying experiences include restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, poor concentration and disrupted sleep. Headaches or digestive symptoms may occur, but new or concerning physical symptoms should not automatically be attributed to anxiety.
Signs and daily impact
- Worry about several areas of life on most days and difficulty setting it aside.
- A body that feels continually alert, tense or unable to rest.
- Repeated checking, reassurance-seeking, procrastination or avoiding decisions.
- Sleep and concentration problems that affect work, study or relationships.
Many people keep meeting their obligations, so the effort and distress may remain invisible to others.
Assessment and treatment
A diagnosis can only follow a professional assessment of the pattern, duration, context and impact of symptoms. The clinician also considers medical conditions, medicines, substances, depression, other anxiety presentations and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. A screening questionnaire can support this process, but cannot diagnose GAD on its own.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a well-supported treatment and can help a person understand worry cycles, test more useful responses and reduce avoidance. Other structured psychological approaches may also be appropriate. Medication may be considered by a doctor, depending on severity, preference, health and co-occurring difficulties.