Generalised anxiety disorder, or GAD, involves excessive worry about several areas of life that is difficult to control and affects daily functioning. Anxiety is a normal response to threat, but GAD is more persistent and may continue even when there is no immediate danger.
Symptoms
- worry that feels difficult to stop or manage
- restlessness, irritability or feeling constantly on edge
- muscle tension, headaches or jaw clenching
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- sleep problems and fatigue
- palpitations, sweating, dizziness, nausea or stomach symptoms
- avoiding situations because of worry
Symptoms can overlap with depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma-related conditions and physical illnesses. Caffeine, stimulants, some medicines and substance use can also worsen anxiety.
Assessment
A healthcare professional asks about symptoms, duration, daily impact, physical health, medicines and substance use. They may use a questionnaire and, when indicated, examine or test for physical conditions such as thyroid disease, heart rhythm problems or anaemia.
Treatment
Treatment is based on symptom severity, personal preference and previous response. Options include:
- education and guided self-help based on cognitive behavioural principles
- cognitive behavioural therapy or applied relaxation
- an antidepressant, usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- specialist mental health care for severe, complex or treatment-resistant symptoms
Antidepressants may initially increase anxiety or cause other side effects and can take several weeks to help. Do not stop them suddenly. Benzodiazepines are generally reserved for short-term use in specific situations because tolerance and dependence can develop.
Supporting recovery
Regular sleep, physical activity, reducing excess caffeine and alcohol, and practising skills learned in therapy may help. These measures support treatment but do not replace professional care when anxiety is persistent or disabling.
When to seek urgent help
Seek immediate help if you may harm yourself or someone else, cannot keep yourself safe, or have severe confusion or loss of contact with reality. Contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Sudden chest pain, fainting or severe breathing difficulty should also be assessed urgently rather than assumed to be anxiety.
Sources
Reviewed: 28 August 2026