Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition where you often feel very anxious about lots of different things.
Symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
The main symptom of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is feelings of stress or worry that affect your daily life and are difficult to control.
Other symptoms of GAD may include:
- difficulty sleeping
- feeling restless, irritable or finding it difficult to concentrate
- getting tired easily
- feeling tense
- stomach problems
- a more noticeable or unusual heartbeat (palpitations)
- feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- low mood or depression
There are also other types of anxiety disorder and it's common to have more than one at the same time. For example:
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- sudden attacks of anxiety and panic (panic disorder)
- an overwhelming fear of something specific (phobias)
How generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is diagnosed
If you see a GP about symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), they'll ask you some questions about your worries and physical symptoms.
It's important to try and be honest with them, even if it may be difficult to talk about your emotions. This will help them to diagnose or rule out an anxiety disorder.
A GP may diagnose GAD if you have the typical symptoms and:
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- you often worry about a wide range of things
- feelings of anxiety are affecting your daily life
- you're finding it hard to control your feelings
- you have felt anxious a lot of the time for at least 6 months
Treatment for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
Treatment for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) can help you to manage your symptoms, but it may take time.
The main treatments a GP may offer include:
- talking therapies – usually cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with the support of a therapist, either by yourself or in a group
- medicines that can help to treat anxiety – usually a type of antidepressant called an SSRI
- referral to a community mental health team with a range of specialists who can help to create a treatment plan for you
A GP will usually advise you to try talking therapies before they prescribe medicine or refer you to a specialist.
Things you can try to help with anxiety
If you have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), there are things you can try yourself that may help to ease the symptoms of anxiety.
Do
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learn how to relax using calming breathing exercies or try activities such as yoga or pilates
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try to get enough sleep – this can help you have the energy you need to cope with difficult feelings and experiences
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exercise regularly - activities such as running, walking, swimming and yoga can reduce anxiety and stress and help you sleep better
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eat a healthy diet with regular meals to keep your energy levels stable
Don’t
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do not focus on the things you cannot change – focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better
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do not avoid situations that make you anxious – try slowly building up time spent in worrying situations to gradually reduce anxiety
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do not drink lots of coffee, tea, cola or energy drinks – they contain caffeine which can disrupt your sleep and make it harder to control your anxiety
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do not use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve anxiety as these can all contribute to poor mental health