Feeling worried from time to time about the usual stuff — work, health, relationships — is a normal part of life. But when those worries become an overwhelming, all-encompassing cloud that won’t go away, we might be talking about something more.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition marked by persistent, often overwhelming worry about everyday situations. Unlike your typical anxiety that might flare up and fade with specific triggers, GAD tends to stick around like an unwelcome guest, sometimes for months or even years. And when it does, it can start interfering with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Let’s dig a little deeper into what Generalised Anxiety Disorder symptoms look like, how it’s diagnosed, and the best psychological therapies to help manage it.
What Are Generalised Anxiety Disorder Symptoms?
Generalised Anxiety Disorder symptoms can differ from one person to the next. Still, at its core, GAD is all about excessive, persistent worry — the kind that jumps from one topic to another like a radio stuck on scan, flipping through stations without ever settling on a song. Here’s a look at some of the most common symptoms:
Excessive worrying: The big one. This worry is like a mental treadmill set to "high". You’re running, but you’re not getting anywhere, and the worries can shift from work to health to whether your neighbour’s cat likes you (okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea). The worry is often out of proportion to what’s actually happening.
Restlessness or feeling "on edge": Most people with GAD describe a feeling of being constantly tense or "on alert," like they’re waiting for something bad to happen… even when everything seems calm. It might feel hard, or nearly impossible, to relax.
Fatigue: This chronic anxiety is physiologically exhausting. Eventually, fatigue will set in, whether it’s due to poor sleep, physical exhaustion, or just the sheer effort of worrying all the time.
Difficulty concentrating: Concentration problems are common for people with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, which makes sense, given that their brains are trying to help (yes, really) by keeping them on the lookout for anything and everything that might go wrong. GAD deprioritises more important things, like focusing on pleasurable activities, properly engaging in work tasks and study, or even being with loved ones.
Irritability: Small annoyances can feel like a huge problem when you're under constant stress. GAD can make you more sensitive to everyday frustrations — like when the toast burns, the traffic is slow, or when someone asks, “Why are you always so tense?”
Muscle tension: Anxiety doesn’t just live in your mind; it also likes to set up camp in your body. Muscle tension, headaches, or even stomach aches are often prominent Generalised Anxiety Disorder symptoms.
Sleep problems: And then there’s sleep, or the lack of it. When your mind races with worries at bedtime, falling or staying asleep can feel impossible.
In sum, it’s not just a little bit of worry, and it’s not at all pleasant. The good news? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Generalised Anxiety Disorder can help you develop the tools and confidence to address these symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How is Generalised Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?
Considering a diagnosis of Generalised Anxiety Disorder involves a thorough evaluation by a qualified professional — usually a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist. Here’s how it typically goes down:
Clinical questionnaire: You might be asked to complete a questionnaire, though diagnosing GAD isn’t about ticking a few boxes on a form (or reading an overview of GAD on a website!)
Clinical interview and psychological assessment: This is where the professional will ask you about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and how they affect your daily life. A thorough assessment will involve questions about your past, family, general health, and other factors. The diagnosis often follows guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which defines GAD as excessive worry on most days for at least six months, accompanied by at least three additional symptoms like fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. It’s not about having a "bad day" — it’s about persistent, long-term anxiety.
Ruling out other conditions: Sometimes, anxiety symptoms can be due to other psychological issues, which is why it is important to see an experienced Clinical Psychologist. There’s an overlap between GAD and other conditions, and the appropriate diagnosis must be made. Discussing your symptoms with your GP is important to ensure medical explanations have been ruled out. Your GP can also discuss whether medication might play a role in your care.
Getting Help: Psychological Therapies for Generalised Anxiety Disorder
If GAD is impacting your life, you don’t have to go it alone. At Boyce & Dale Anxiety and Mood Disorders Clinic, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and effective treatment options for a range of anxiety disorders, including GAD.
You’ll receive a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and delivered using the gold-standard psychological therapy for Generalised Anxiety Disorder — Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Our goal is to help you manage your anxiety and find some peace in that busy mind of yours.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out today to book a consultation, and let’s work together to put GAD in its place.
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