GAD is a distressing condition associated with excessive worry. In adults, the excessive worry tends to be about everyday things. These worries often relate to responsibilities, finances, or health – whether their own health or that of a loved one.² Children with GAD tend to worry about their competence or quality of their performance.²

GAD is different from normal worries in that the anxiety is greater, lasts longer, and is often not caused by one specific worry.²

GAD can affect people both mentally and physically.¹ The person’s worries seem out of proportion when compared with the actual likelihood of something bad happening, yet they find it difficult to control their feelings.² If one worry is resolved, the person is likely to shift to worrying about something else.²

In addition to excessive worry, people with GAD may have symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, feeling on edge, becoming tired more easily, and feeling irritable.² People with the disorder may also experience physical symptoms such as sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath.²

The severity of symptoms may fluctuate over time and are often worse during times of stress.3

GAD is a common condition and in the UK it is estimated that 1 in 25 people are affected by it.⁴ The disorder is found to affect women more than men.¹ Most people diagnosed with GAD are middle aged, but symptoms occur across a range of ages.⁵

A global study of 2,883 people with GAD found that 51% are severely disabled in some aspect of their home, work, relationship or social life.⁶ People with the disorder miss an average of 8 days of work or activities per year.⁷
 

GAD can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional, who will ask questions about your worries and physical symptoms.¹

A number of different treatments may be offered to help manage symptoms such as talking therapies, medication and referral to a community mental health team with a range of specialists.¹