What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder
As the name implies, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (also known as GAD) is characterized by worry thoughts and feeling anxious across a range of concerns, most of the time and over a lengthy period of time. People with GAD are often self-described ‘worriers’ and tend to over-estimate the possibility of a worst case scenario occurring.
They might experience significant worry and distress about many different without supporting evidence of a threat, such as:
- getting into a car accident
- missing a deadline or being late
- upsetting someone
- being the victim of a crime
Other symptoms of GAD include:
- restlessness or feeling on edge
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
- muscle tension
- sleep difficulties
Coping with Generalized Anxiety
In order to cope with the distress of the anxiety, people with GAD might do things to help them feel safer, in therapy, these are known as safety behaviours. In the case of anxiety, the safety behaviours help to feel safe but do very little to actually increase one’s safety and unfortunately keep the anxiety disorder going.
Therapy for Generalized Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a first-line treatment approach for GAD.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is also evidence-based treatment approach that is effective for GAD.
