Generalized anxiety disorder: living with constant worry
When anxiety never stops.
Dr. Émile Garnier
Psychiatrist
In simple terms
GAD affects 5 to 8% of the population. It is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about multiple daily topics.
What you need to remember
- Symptoms — Excessive and difficult-to-control worry
- Self-help — Regular physical activity (proven anxiolytic effect)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) differs from normal anxiety by its chronic (at least 6 months), excessive, and difficult-to-control nature. The subjects of worry are multiple: health, work, finances, family.
Symptoms
- Excessive and difficult-to-control worry
- Chronic muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings)
Differential diagnosis
GAD is often confused with:
- Depression (frequently associated)
- Hyperthyroidism (always check TSH)
- Excessive caffeine consumption
- Panic disorder (acute anxiety attacks vs. diffuse pervasive anxiety)
Treatments
- CBT: first-line treatment. Cognitive restructuring + relaxation + exposure to worries.
- SSRIs: escitalopram, sertraline. Onset of action of 2-4 weeks.
- SNRIs: venlafaxine, duloxetine.
- Buspirone: non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic.
- Benzodiazepines: only for short-term treatment (risk of dependence).
Self-help
- Regular physical activity (proven anxiolytic effect)
- Reduction of caffeine and alcohol
- Mindfulness meditation (MBSR)
- Strict sleep hygiene
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Acute
- Something that starts suddenly and lasts a short time.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Cognitive
- Related to thinking: memory, attention, learning and decision-making.
- Anxiety
- Ongoing worry or fear that is strong enough to affect daily life.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Generalized anxiety disorder: living with constant worry?
- GAD affects 5 to 8% of the population. It is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about multiple daily topics.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Generalized anxiety disorder: living with constant worry?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Generalized anxiety disorder: living with constant worry?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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