What is generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by extreme anxiety or worrying that is^1,2,3:

• Hard to control
• Causes significant distress or problems in social interactions, work, or school
• Occurs on more days than not for at least 6 months

Learn more about anxiety

Symptoms of GAD can vary, and include²:

• Constant worrying or anxiety about a number of areas that are out of proportion to the impact of the events
• Overthinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case scenarios
• Perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they are not
• Difficulty handling uncertainty
• Indecisiveness and fear of making the wrong decision
• Inability to set aside or let go of a worry
• Inability to relax, feeling restless, and feeling keyed up or on edge
• Difficulty concentrating, or the feeling that your mind "goes blank"

Complex interactions of biological and environmental factors can contribute to the development of GAD. These include²:

• Differences in brain chemistry and function
• Genetics
• Differences in the way threats are perceived
• Development and personality

Women are at higher risk of developing GAD compared to men.²

• Anxiety disorders. April 2022. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Available online at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders#part_2220. [Accessed 05 October 2022].

• Symptoms and causes. Generalized anxiety disorder. 13 October 2017. Mayo Clinic Available online at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20360803. [Accessed 05 October 2022].

• Bhatt NV. Anxiety disorders. 27 March 2019. Medscape. Available online at https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286227-overview. [Accessed 05 October 2022]