Do you find yourself worrying about many different things? While it's normal to worry occasionally, if your worry is persistent and affecting your daily life, it may be a sign of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). In this guide, we will explain what GAD is and provide guidance on how to seek help.
What is GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by worry in a variety of situations. People with GAD experience persistent worry about things, such as work, family life, health, finances and everyday situations, unlike specific anxiety disorders where people worry about only one thing or area, such as death anxiety or existential anxiety.
The South African Stress and Health (SASH) study found GAD was the most frequent mental health issue reported, with a national prevalence estimated at around 8.1%. GAD is also twice as common in women than men.
Causes of generalized anxiety disorder
The cause of GAD is an interaction of several different factors. There is a hereditary component; if you have a family member with the syndrome, there is a risk of developing the condition yourself.
Biological factors such as imbalances in serotonin and noradrenaline can also contribute to its development. Environmental factors also have an impact, where both upbringing and life events can have an impact. Stressful life events such as abuse, trauma, loss, divorce or unemployment can all contribute in different ways to increased anxiety.
Growing up with bullying, overprotective parents or family conflicts can also contribute to GAD. You may also model behaviour if you have a close relative with the diagnosis. Several factors have an impact.
It is possible to get help with GAD
GAD can be treated, and at Lavendla, we have psychologists and qualified therapists who can help with the condition. Read more about what treatment entails below.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder
GAD is characterized by worrying about many different things. This can negatively affect your life.
Here are some of the symptoms:
- Excessive and uncontrolled worry: Constant worrying about different aspects of life, even when there is no clear reason.
- Physical symptoms: Muscle pain, tension, headaches, fatigue, difficulty relaxing, sweating, restlessness, and stomach problems.
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night due to anxious thoughts.
- Irritability: May often feel irritable or nervous.
- 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.
- 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, you should seek treatment to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
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 aids in developing other approaches that lead to improved well-being. Various anxiety management tools such as worry diaries, worry time and mindfulness can be used to address the problem. There are also newer forms of cognitive therapy such as metacognitive therapy, which has been shown to have good results for generalized anxiety.
- Medication: Drug treatment can include the use of antidepressants. These drugs can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. Sometimes doctors may also prescribe anti-anxiety medications, but 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. At the beginning of treatment, an assessment is always made to see what might be most helpful.
A first step in seeking help
If you recognize the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, it is good to seek help. It is possible to improve your quality of life, and we offer access to psychologists and therapists who are ready to support you through your journey. We make the hard things easier.
12 FAQs 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, among others. 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 for a long time. 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?
GAD is caused by an interaction of several factors, such as heredity, biology, environment, life events, and childhood circumstances. It is a condition with multiple causes.
Can generalized anxiety disorder be treated?
Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. There is help 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 is 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 in men.
Can physical activity help reduce generalized anxiety disorder?
Yes, physical activity can help reduce anxiety, but treatment may also be needed. Regular exercise promotes psychological well-being by releasing endorphins, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress, which affects quality of life.
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 website, you can book an initial session with a therapist or psychologist to describe your problems and start planning a treatment. We will help you make the difficult things easier.
Step-by-step treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Here is a summary of how GAD could be treated using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). There is help available, and this gives you an idea of the steps you may take in therapy:
- Assessment of symptoms: The first step is for a psychologist or qualified therapist to help you evaluate your situation and history. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.
- Psychoeducation and objectives: You will learn about your anxiety and how it affects you both physically and psychologically. They work on analyzing situations and setting goals for treatment.
- Tools for changing behaviours and patterns: You will work on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to your health anxiety. Together with your therapist, you can work with different tools to overcome health anxiety. You will be given homework to practice between sessions.
- Follow-up and evaluation progress: Your psychologist will support you throughout the process. At the end of treatment, you will receive a plan to continue practising and to maintain your progress over time.
Feel free to book a first session with one of our psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. We make the hard things easier.
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