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Do you find yourself worrying about everything? Some amount of worry is normal. But if your constant worrying is effecting your daily life, help is available.

What is GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by constant feelings of worry that are difficult to control. People with GAD experience persistent worry about many different things, such as work, family life, health, finances and everyday situations. This differs from specific anxiety disorders where people worry about only one thing or area.

In 2022, Statistics Canada found that around 5% of the population have GAD.

Causes of generalized anxiety disorder

The cause of GAD is an interaction of several different factors. Biological factors such as imbalances in serotonin and norepinephrine can contribute to its development. Additionally, there is a genetic component to anxiety.

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Environmental factors also have an impact, for example, a person’s upbringing. Stressful life events such as abuse, trauma, loss, divorce or unemployment can all contribute in different ways to increased anxiety.

It is possible to get help with GAD?

GAD is treatable! At Lavendla, we have licensed psychologists and qualified therapists who can help you with GAD. Read more about what treatment entails below.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder

GAD is characterized by constant worrying that affects your daily life. Here are some of the symptoms:

  1. Excessive and uncontrolled worry: Constant worrying about different aspects of life, even when there is no clear reason for it.
  2. Physical symptoms: Muscle pain, tension, headaches, fatigue, difficulty relaxing, sweating, restlessness, and stomach problems.
  3. Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night due to anxious thoughts.
  4. Irritability: Frequent feelings of irritability or nervousness.
  5. Control behaviours: When worried, you may try to control and double-check events in a way that takes time and does not help you in life.
  6. Impact on relationships: If you have a lot of anxiety, you may, for example, ask a lot of questions and seek reassurance from those around you in other ways, which can be detrimental to relationships.

If you recognize these symptoms, help is available.



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Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Here are some of the most common treatment methods:

  • Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of therapy. CBT helps individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to anxiety. It also helps to develop other approaches that lead to improved well-being. There are many different CBT management tools that help with GAD. There are also newer forms of cognitive therapy such as metacognitive therapy, which shows good results for generalized anxiety.
  • Medication: Treatment can include the use of antidepressants. These medications can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. Sometimes doctors may also prescribe anti-anxiety medications. However, these are usually used in the short term because of the risk of addiction.

It is important to remember that treatment for GAD is individual, and what works best can vary from person to person. Treatment for GAD can vary in time depending on the severity, with milder symptoms requiring shorter treatment than more severe symptoms.



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12 common questions and answers about generalized anxiety disorder

What is generalized anxiety disorder?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by worry and anxiety in a variety of situations, such as work, family life, health, finances or everyday situations.

What are the symptoms of GAD?

The symptoms of GAD include excessive and uncontrolled worry, and physical symptoms such as pain, tension and fatigue. You may have sleep problems, become irritable and engage in various controlling behaviours that affect relationships.

Can generalized anxiety disorder lead to depression?

GAD can contribute to the development of depressive symptoms if left untreated. People may start avoiding things because of their anxiety and become more depressed. A psychologist or therapist can offer support and strategies to deal with these feelings.

What causes generalized anxiety disorder?

The cause of GAD is an interaction of several different factors such as genetics, environment and life events.

Can generalized anxiety disorder be treated?

Yes! Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Help is available.

What is cognitive behavioural therapy?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to anxiety. Various anxiety management tools such as worry diaries and worry time can be used to address the problem.

What is metacognitive therapy?

Metacognitive therapy is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be effective for conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder.

Is generalized anxiety more common among men or women?

Generalized anxiety disorder is twice as common in women than men.

Can physical activity help reduce generalized anxiety disorder?

Yes, physical activity can be helpful in reducing anxiety but formal treatment may also be needed. Regular exercise promotes psychological well-being by releasing endorphins, improving sleep quality and reducing stress.

What is the difference between specific and general anxiety?

In specific anxiety, you have fears related to specific situations or events, such as social phobia or arachnophobia. With GAD, you have anxiety in many different situations.

Where can I go if I need help?

Through our site you can book an initial session with a therapist or psychologist to describe your concerns and start treatment. We will help you make the difficult easier.

Step-by-step treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Here we walk you through what treating GAD with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can look like:

1. Assessment of symptoms

The first step is for a licensed psychologist or qualified therapist to help you evaluate your situation and history. You may also be asked to fill in assessment forms.

2. Psychoeducation and objectives

You will learn about your anxiety and how it affects you both physically and psychologically. You and your therapist work on analyzing situations and also set goals for treatment.

3. Tools for changing behaviours and patterns

You will work on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to your anxiety. Together with your therapist, you can work with tools such as a worry diary, worry time and mindfulness. You will be given homework to practice between sessions.

4. Follow up and evaluate progress

You will have support from your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing so that you can maintain your progress over time.

A first step in seeking help

If you recognize the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in yourself, it is good to seek help. It is possible to improve your quality of life! We offer access to psychologists and therapists who are ready to support you through your journey. We make the difficult easier.


Written by Sophia Coulter

Sophia is a registered nurse with experience in inpatient, emergency and community mental health care. She has a passion for providing emergency support for those experiencing mental health crises.