Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
An anxiety disorder involving chronic, excessive worry about many everyday things for six months or more, often with physical tension and fatigue.
Category: Conditions
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
With GAD, the worry is not tied to one situation. It moves across topics: health, money, family, work. The person often knows the worry is excessive but cannot switch it off.
Key things to know
Physical signs include muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, and disturbed sleep. Diagnosis requires the pattern to persist for at least six months.
- The worry moves across topics: health, money, family, work, small daily decisions.
- The person usually knows the worry is excessive but cannot switch it off.
- Diagnosis requires the pattern to persist for at least six months.
- Physical signs: muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, poor concentration.
- GAD tends to be chronic without treatment; CBT and medication both work.
What helps
GAD responds well to cognitive behavioural therapy and, where needed, medication prescribed by a psychiatrist. Untreated, it tends to be chronic, so early assessment matters.
How SelfMind can help
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Try a quiz
How Stressed Are You Right Now?. A short check-in related to generalized anxiety disorder, with a personal result at the end. 2 minutes, free, no signup.
Related terms
This entry is educational information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. For assessment and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, see our crisis resources. In India, Tele-MANAS is free at 14416, 24x7.