Generalised Anxiety Disorder

People with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) think and worry too much about problems, events and catastrophes that may occur in the future. They tend to over-analyse what is happening in their day-to-daywith regard to relationships, work, health and finances. This worry is difficult to control, even though the person may recognise that it is often out of proportion.

Almost anything can trigger a bout of worry and this means that people with GAD are constantly reacting to their thoughts and fears. As a result they feel constantly on edge. They may have dificulty concentrating, feel irritable, experience headaches, are always tired and have dificulty sleeping. Even their muscles may feel tight and sore.

Key features:

• Excessive worry about many different things.

• Lasting for at least 6 months.

• Accompanied by symptoms such as: insomnia, fatigue, feeling keyed up and on edge, muscle tension, poor concentration, or irritability.