What is generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Whilst anxiety is a basic fundamental emotion we all experience from time to time, people suffering with generalised anxiety disorder experience anxiety around a wide range of aspects of their daily lives in a way which disrupts their daily functioning.
If you feel anxious and tense most days, cannot remember the last time you felt calm or relaxed, and feel as though you cannot stop yourself from worrying about various things, you may be suffering from GAD.
Although the list below is not exhaustive, some common symptoms of GAD are:
- Restlessness
- Feeling constantly ‘on edge’
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sense of dread
- Fast, irregular heartbeat
- Difficulties sleeping
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Irritability
The defining feature of GAD is the experience of endless and persistent worries that can feel overwhelming. If you feel that the above applies to you, a combination of medication and therapy can greatly improve your quality of life.
Which therapies might help?