Key facts

• GAD is a type of anxiety which causes sufferers to worry excessively about a range of issues in a way that they find difficult to control.
• It can cause physical symptoms such as sleep disturbance, IBS, muscle tension and headaches.
• CBT has been proven to be an effective treatment for GAD and usually targets the underlying reasons for peoples' worry.

Symptoms and Experiences

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by ongoing and excessive worry about a number of different things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and may struggle to stop worrying about issues such as money, health, family, or work when there seems to be no reason for concern. People with GAD often find their worry is unrealistic or out of proportion to the situation but still find it very difficult to control.

Worry is a common human experience, but it is seen as an anxiety problem when it happens on most days for at least six months and three or more of these symptoms are present;

• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Being easily fatigued
•  Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
•  Sleep disturbances

 At times, people can also struggle with physical symptoms such as stomach problems, muscle tension and headaches.

Daily life can become a constant state of worry, fear, and dread and this can dominate the person's thinking to the extent that it interferes with day-to-day life. Many people with GAD may also avoid certain situations or they may not take advantage of opportunities due to their worry (social situations, travel, promotions, etc). 

Other anxiety disorders such as Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder and phobias often accompany GAD. It is also very common for people who suffer from GAD to experience cycles of low mood and exhaustion. 

treatment

Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating GAD and is the treatment recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). 

CBT for GAD should explore and address the underlying psychological reasons that people worry excessively, rather than addressing the worries themselves. This usually involves working on beliefs about worry, beliefs about yourself and feelings towards uncertainty. It also includes challenging behaviours that keep worry going, including avoidance.  Adult CBT for GAD has also been modified for children and teens and shows positive outcomes.

The amount of time treatment takes will be dependent on the severity and complexity of the problem.

If you are concerned that you might be suffering from excessive worry, try this online questionnaire. It can give you an indication of whether this type of anxiety has become a problem for you.