Generalised Anxiety Disorder (or GAD) is commonly referred to as “Worry”.

What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

Generalised Anxiety Disorder is characterised by exaggerated worry and tension, about a number of events or activities. People anticipate disaster; worry excessively about health, finances, family or work. There is difficulty in controlling the worry; the intensity and frequency of the worry are always out of proportion to the actual likelihood of the feared events happening. 

Feelings of worry, dread, lack of energy, and a loss of interest in life are common. Many times there is no “trigger” or “cause” for these feelings and the person realizes these feelings are irrational. Nevertheless, the feelings are very real. The worry and anxiety cause significant distress and impairment in functioning, interfering with a persons social, occupational or routine functioning. 

Individuals with GAD usually describe themselves as sensitive or nervous by nature, and their tendency to worry is usually longstanding.

What are the symptoms?

Anxiety and worry are often associated with some of the following symptoms:

• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Irritability
• Being easily fatigued
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance
• Difficulty concentrating

In addition to the above, there are often physical symptoms experienced; however, individual patterns of anxiety can vary widely. Cardiovascular symptoms include palpitations and sweating. Some experience shallow breathing, tightness in chest, headache and wry neck. There are a number of gastrointestinal symptoms that may be experienced also including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Butterflies in stomach
• Diarrhoea
• Feelings of emptiness

How common is GAD?

GAD is one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting 2-8% of the population. The disorder is one of the most common diagnoses at the primary care level (GP or community health centre). 

The age of onset is quite variable, ranging from childhood to adulthood, affecting more women than men.

What Causes GAD?

The underlying causes of GAD are unknown. The evidence suggests that a combination of genetics, biochemical imbalances and predisposing childhood experiences are significant factors. 

More recent life stresses are reported by those with GAD than those without GAD.

One theory suggests that GAD is sustained by “basic fears” which are the following:

• Fear of losing control
• Fear of not being able to cope
• Fear of failure
• Fear of rejection or abandonment
• Fear of death or disease

GAD can be made worse by any stressful situation that elicits these fears. Examples include; increased demands (birth of a child, job promotion), intense marital disharmony, physical illness, or any situation that heightens ones perception of danger or threat.