Generalised Anxiety Disorder What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder? Most people feel worried from time to time. You might worry before an exam, a job interview, or an important life decision. But Generalised Anxiety Disorder is different. Generalised Anxiety Disorder, often shortened to GAD, involves persistent and excessive worry that feels difficult to control. The worry is ongoing and can focus on many different areas of life, such as health, work, finances, family, or everyday responsibilities. For someone living with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, the anxiety is not occasional. It feels constant. It can interfere with daily life, relationships, sleep, and concentration. Generalised Anxiety Disorder is a recognised mental health condition. It is common, treatable, and you are not alone if you are experiencing it. Symptoms of Generalised Anxiety Disorder People with Generalised Anxiety Disorder often describe feeling 'on edge' most of the time. The symptoms can be both emotional and physical. Common symptoms include: Persistent or uncontrollable worry Feeling restless or unable to relax. Difficulty concentrating. Feeling irritable. Trouble falling or staying asleep. Muscle tension or aches. Fatigue or exhaustion. Physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shaking, dizziness, or sweating. Symptoms of Generalised Anxiety Disorder can vary from person to person. Some people experience mainly mental symptoms, while others notice physical symptoms first. If these symptoms last for several weeks or months and begin affecting daily life, it may be a good idea to seek support. What causes Generalised Anxiety Disorder? There is no single cause of Generalised Anxiety Disorder. It usually develops due to a combination of factors, including: Stressful life events. Ongoing pressure at work or home. Trauma. Family history of anxiety. Personality traits such as perfectionism. Physical health conditions. Generalised Anxiety Disorder does not mean you are weak or incapable. Anxiety is the body's natural response to threat. In GAD, that response becomes overactive. How is Generalised Anxiety Disorder treated? Generalised Anxiety Disorder is treatable. Psychological talking therapies are often recommended as a first step. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, also known as CBT, is one of the most effective treatments for Generalised Anxiety Disorder. It helps people understand patterns in their thinking and develop practical strategies to manage anxiety. You can self refer for NHS Talking Therapies. You do not need to see a GP first. Many people find that a combination of approaches works best for them. Alongside therapy and self-care strategies, you may also want to explore whether medication could be helpful as part of your treatment. If this is something you would like to explore, you will need to speak to your GP. They can talk through options with you and discuss what feels right. Visit our services page to see if we deliver a talking therapy service in your local area. Alternatively, visit the NHS website and enter your postcode to find your nearest NHS Talking Therapies service: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/services-near-you/ Self-help resources for Generalised Anxiety Disorder Alongside professional support, many people find self-help tools useful. The following resources provide structured guidance and practical exercises: Self Help Guides produced by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, covering a range of mental health topics. Living Life to the Full, which offers online self-help courses recommended by mental health professionals, including courses focused on anxiety. MoodGYM, an interactive online programme based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques. No More Panic, which offers information and peer support for people experiencing anxiety, panic, phobias, and OCD. Self-help is not a replacement for professional care if symptoms are severe. But it can be a helpful starting point. When to seek support If worry feels constant, overwhelming, or exhausting, support is available. You deserve help that works for you. Generalised Anxiety Disorder is treatable, and many people recover with the right support. If you are unsure where to begin, book an appointment with your GP, explore one of the online resources above, or self-refer to your local talking therapies. Please be aware that talking therapy services have waiting lists nationally, so it's worth self-referring as soon as you feel ready. Taking that first step can feel difficult. But it can also be the beginning of feeling more in control again. Manage Cookie Preferences