People diagnosed with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry across different aspects of life, including health, employment, education, and interpersonal relationships.
This worry is disproportionate to the actual impact of the events and is difficult to control. GAD goes beyond common anxiety; it is chronic and often interferes with daily functioning.
Symptoms of GAD can include:
- Persistent worrying or anxiety about a number of areas that are out of proportion to the impact of the events
- Overthinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case outcomes
- Perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they are not
- Difficulty handling uncertainty
- Indecisiveness and fear of making the wrong decision
- Inability to set aside or let go of a worry
- Inability to relax, feeling restless, and being easily startled
- Difficulty concentrating
The exact cause of GAD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors.
Treatment for GAD typically involves talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both, with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) being one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for this condition. Medications might include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or a combination tailored to your needs.