Generalized Anxiety Disorder: GAD

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is defined by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of things. People suffering from GAD may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. Individuals suffering from GAD have a difficult time controlling their anxiety. They may be overly concerned about actual events or may expect the worst even when there is no reason to be concerned.

GAD is diagnosed when a person has three or more symptoms and finds it difficult to control worry on more days than not for at least six months. This distinguishes GAD from worry, which may be specific to a specific stressor or for a shorter period of time.

Causes

The exact cause of GAD is unknown, but it is likely that a combination of several factors is involved. According to research, these may include:

  • Your parents' genes
  • A history of stressful or traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, child abuse, or bullying
  • Painful long-term health condition, such as arthritis
  • A history of drug or alcohol abuse

Many people, however, develop GAD for no apparent reason.


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It is common to suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. About 3% of the adult population is affected. Childhood anxiety affects approximately one in every four children between the ages of 13 and 18. In children aged 13 to 18, the lifetime prevalence of a severe anxiety disorder is approximately 6%.

Women are more than twice as likely as men to be affected. GAD develops gradually. It usually begins around the age of 30, but it can begin as early as childhood.

GAD can have a significant impact on your daily life, but there are several treatments that can help alleviate your symptoms.

Among these are:

  • Talking therapies:You can get talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the NHS; you don't need a referral from a doctor, and you can self-refer to a talking therapies service in your area - Learn more about how to locate an NHS talking therapy service.
  • Medication: such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant

If you are suffering from GAD symptoms, talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. If you suspect a friend or family member is suffering from GAD, make time to talk with them and express your concern while assuring them of your support.

Reference:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control. (2022). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad ‌

‌NHS Choices. (2023). Overview - Generalised anxiety disorder in adults. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/overview/ ‌

‌Clinic, C. (2022). Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Symptoms & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23940-generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad ‌

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