Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health issue defined by overwhelming, ongoing, and uncontrollable concern regarding multiple life areas, including work, relationships, health, and daily responsibilities. Heightened anxiety is present most days for a minimum of six months and frequently disrupts day-to-day functioning.
Key Features of GAD
- Chronic anxiety or worry concerning various issues that outweigh their actual significance
- Overthinking situations and expecting the worst (catastrophizing)
- Struggling to cope with uncertainty
- Indecisiveness and apprehension about making incorrect decisions or facing adverse outcomes
- Feeling irritable or overwhelmed.
- Inability to put aside or release a concern
- Challenges in focusing or experiencing moments where your mind feels "blank."
- Avoidance of triggers or situations that provoke anxiety
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
- Restlessness or feeling anxious
- Easily fatigued or tired
- Muscle tension (e.g., aches, shaking, trembling, or tightness)
- Sleep issues (trouble falling or staying asleep)
- Headaches, nausea, or digestive problems (e.g., stomach aches).
- Persistent fear or discomfort, even without a specific reason
- Nervousness or being easily startled
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome
Children and teenagers may have similar worries to adults but also excessive anxiety about school performance or sporting events, family members’ safety, punctuality, earthquakes, nuclear war, or other catastrophic events.
Key Features of a Child or Teen with GAD
- Feel overly anxious to fit in
- Be a perfectionist
- Redo tasks because they aren't perfect the first time
- Spend excessive time doing homework
- Lack confidence
- Strive for approval
- Require a lot of reassurance about performance
- Have frequent stomachaches or other physical complaints
- Avoid going to school or avoid social situations
If these features resonate with you, it's important to consider seeking support from one of our specialists.
Some Mental Health Disorders That Commonly Occur with GAD Include
- Specific Phobias
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts or suicide
- Substance abuse
Seek immediate help if you experience suicidal thoughts. You can call a crisis hotline like the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) in the U.S. or contact emergency services.
Treatment Options for GAD
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
- Mindfulness
The best therapy for GAD depends on the individual, their symptoms, and their preferences. CBT remains the most commonly recommended approach, but mindfulness-based therapies and other treatment modalities also offer significant benefits. One of our mental health professionals can help you select the most suitable treatment.
When to Seek Help
- If it is difficult to function at work, school, or in relationships (e.g., avoiding tasks, procrastination, or underperforming due to excessive worry.
- If physical health is affected by symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, or sleep disturbances are persistent
- If efforts to calm yourself are unsuccessful, and anxiety feels uncontrollable.
- If you experience emotional distress such as irritability, frequent crying, or feeling overwhelmed.
- If you start avoiding situations, places, or people that trigger anxiety.
- If co-occurring symptoms like panic attacks or depression emerge
- If anxiety becomes chronic and doesn't improve on its own after six months