If you worry about many things, most days, and find it almost impossible to switch off — even when you know the worry is out of proportion — you may be experiencing generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It’s common, exhausting, and very treatable.
What GAD is
GAD involves persistent, excessive worry across a range of areas — health, work, family, finances, everyday responsibilities — that’s difficult to control and lasts for six months or more. Unlike a phobia focused on one thing, GAD’s worry is broad and shifting: as soon as one concern eases, another takes its place.
Common signs
- Chronic, uncontrollable worry about everyday matters
- Feeling restless, keyed up or on edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep problems
Many people with GAD have felt like “a worrier” their whole lives and assume it’s just their personality — when it’s actually a treatable condition.
How it’s diagnosed
There’s no single test. A GP or psychiatrist makes the diagnosis based on your history and symptoms, and rules out other causes (thyroid problems and other conditions can mimic anxiety). Our anxiety self-check can be a useful starting point for reflection.
Treatment
GAD responds well to treatment, usually a combination of:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) — the best-evidenced psychological treatment, targeting worry patterns and avoidance.
- Medication — where appropriate, prescribed and monitored by a doctor (see our guide to anxiety medication in Australia).
- Lifestyle support — sleep, exercise and reducing caffeine and alcohol all genuinely help.
For persistent or complex anxiety, our online psychiatry service provides specialist telehealth assessment Australia-wide. Book an appointment with a referral, or read more about our anxiety care.
This article is general information, not medical advice. In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000.