Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): when worry never stops

What GAD is

Generalised anxiety disorder means worrying excessively about many different things, most days, for at least six months, in a way that is hard to control. The worries are often about ordinary things such as health, money, family, work or the future.

Common signs

• Worry that jumps from topic to topic
• Feeling restless or keyed up
• Getting tired easily
• Trouble concentrating or the mind going blank
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep

Why worry feels useful

People with GAD often believe worrying keeps them prepared or prevents bad things happening. "If I stop worrying about my parents' health, something will happen." Others worry that the worry itself will make them ill. These beliefs keep the cycle going.

The family dimension

In many South Asian families, worrying is seen as a sign of love: a mother who worries is a good mother. It can be hard to see where caring ends and anxiety begins. A useful question is whether the worry leads to helpful action or just goes round and round.

How GAD is treated

CBT for GAD helps you notice worry patterns, test beliefs about worry, tolerate uncertainty, and spend less time in "what if" thinking. NICE recommends it as a first-line treatment.

Applied relaxation teaches you to relax your body quickly in everyday situations.

Medication prescribed by a doctor can help some people, often alongside therapy.

Things you can try today

• Set a daily "worry time" of fifteen minutes and postpone worries until then.
• Write worries down and sort them into ones you can act on and ones you cannot.
• Cut down on caffeine.
• Move your body every day, even a short walk.
• Notice when you are seeking reassurance, and try waiting a little longer each time.

Self-help is a good start. If worry is still dominating your days, a psychologist can help you change the pattern properly.

Questions people ask

What is generalised anxiety disorder?

GAD is persistent, excessive worry about many everyday things, most days for six months or more, that is hard to control and affects daily life.

How is GAD different from normal worry?

Normal worry is tied to a real problem and eases when it is solved. GAD worry moves from one subject to the next and continues even when things are fine.

What is the best therapy for GAD?

CBT designed for GAD has the strongest evidence and is recommended by NICE. Applied relaxation is another option.

Can GAD cause physical symptoms?

Yes: muscle tension, headaches, tiredness, stomach upsets and poor sleep are very common.

How long does CBT for GAD take?

A typical course is around twelve to fifteen sessions, though some people need fewer and some more.

Is GAD a lifelong condition?

Not necessarily. Many people recover with treatment, and those who still worry at times usually find it far easier to manage.

What is worry time?

A technique where you postpone worries to a set fifteen-minute slot each day. It teaches your brain that worries can wait and often shrinks them.

Can medication help GAD?

Some antidepressants are licensed for GAD and can help. Speak to a doctor about benefits and side effects; medication works well alongside therapy.

Why do I worry about my family so much?

Love and responsibility play a part, but when worry is constant it can become an anxiety pattern. Therapy helps you care without being consumed.

Can GAD lead to depression?

Long-term anxiety can be exhausting and sometimes leads to low mood. Treating anxiety early can help prevent this.