Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety disorder characterised by persistent and excessive worry about a wide range of everyday situations. People with GAD often find that their mind frequently anticipates potential problems or negative outcomes, even when there is little clear reason to be concerned.

Have you been experiencing excessive worry?

Are you often restless and on edge?

Do you find it difficulty to control your worry?

What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Unlike occasional worry, which most people experience from time to time, the worry associated with GAD tends to be ongoing, difficult to control, and present on most days. People may worry about many different areas of life, such as work, health, finances, relationships, or the wellbeing of family members.

For many people, the worry can feel constant and difficult to switch off. Even when one concern is resolved, the mind may quickly move on to another potential problem. This can lead to feeling mentally exhausted, restless, or constantly “on edge.”

Generalised anxiety disorder can also affect the body. Common physical symptoms include muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and problems concentrating. These symptoms occur because the body’s natural stress response remains activated for long periods of time.

GAD is one of the most common anxiety disorders and can affect people at any stage of life. Although it can feel overwhelming, effective treatments are available, and many people experience significant improvement through evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Symptoms of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

It's important to note that everyone experiences anxiety differently, and not everyone with GAD will experience all of these symptoms. The symptoms of GAD may include:

• Constant worry and anxiety, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it

• Difficulty controlling or reducing worry

• Restlessness or feeling on edge

• Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank

• Irritability

• Muscle tension

• Difficulty sleeping

• Difficulty controlling feelings of panic or fear

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
  
  

What Causes Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

There is no single cause of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Instead, it usually develops through a combination of psychological, biological, and life factors that make a person more vulnerable to persistent worry.

Some of the most common contributing factors include:

Genetics and family history
Research suggests that anxiety disorders can run in families. People with a family history of anxiety may have a higher likelihood of developing GAD.

Stressful life experiences
Major life events such as relationship difficulties, financial stress, work pressure, illness, or significant life changes can increase anxiety levels and trigger persistent worry.

Personality and thinking styles
Some people naturally have a stronger tendency to worry or feel responsible for preventing negative outcomes. Patterns such as overthinking, intolerance of uncertainty, and catastrophising can maintain ongoing anxiety.

The brain’s threat system
When someone experiences frequent anxiety, the brain’s natural threat detection system can become overactive. This can make everyday situations feel more worrying or threatening than they actually are.

Physical and lifestyle factors
Poor sleep, chronic stress, caffeine use, and certain health conditions can also contribute to increased anxiety.

For many people, GAD develops gradually over time rather than being triggered by a single event. Therapy can help people understand the patterns that maintain anxiety and develop more helpful ways of responding to worry.

Do I Have Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

Everyone worries from time to time. However, generalised anxiety disorder involves persistent and excessive worry that is difficult to control and occurs on most days.

You may be experiencing symptoms of GAD if you:

• worry about many different areas of life, such as work, health, finances, or family

• find it difficult to stop or control your worry

• often feel restless, tense, or “on edge”

• struggle with concentration because your mind feels busy with worries

• experience sleep problems because your mind keeps thinking about potential problems

• feel physically tense, fatigued, or irritable

People with GAD often describe feeling as though their mind is constantly searching for things to worry about, even when there is no clear problem.

If worry feels overwhelming, persistent, and begins to interfere with your daily life, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional. A therapist can help you understand whether anxiety is becoming problematic and discuss effective ways to manage it.

Therapy for Generalised Anxiety Disorder

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is a UK-based organisation that develops guidelines for the treatment of various health conditions. The NICE guidelines for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) recommend Psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or applied relaxation, should be the first-line treatment for GAD.

Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that aims to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their anxiety. CBT for GAD is typically delivered in individual therapy sessions with a qualified CBT therapist or Psychologist. Treatment typically involves weekly sessions over a period of several months

CBT for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) :

1. Identifying and challenging negative thoughts: One key component of CBT for GAD is helping individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about their anxiety and the things that trigger it. This may involve techniques such as cognitive restructuring, in which individuals learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more realistic and helpful ones.

2. Managing physical symptoms of anxiety: CBT for GAD may also include techniques to help individuals manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, rapid breathing, and rapid heartbeat. This may involve relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, as well as strategies to manage panic attacks.

3. Exposing to anxiety-provoking situations: Another key component of CBT for GAD is helping individuals gradually confront their anxiety-provoking thoughts, feelings, and situations through a technique called exposure therapy. This involves gradually and systematically exposing individuals to their feared situations or triggers in a controlled and safe environment.

4. Teaching coping skills: CBT for GAD may also involve teaching individuals coping skills to help them manage their anxiety in their daily lives. This may include strategies such as problem-solving, communication skills, and stress management techniques.

What is applied Relaxation?

Applied relaxation is a form of therapy that teaches individuals relaxation techniques to help them manage anxiety and stress. Applied relaxation is based on the principle that anxiety and muscle tension are closely related, and that by learning to focus on these very physical symptoms of anxiety by learning to relax their muscles, it can help reduce an individuals anxiety.

To practice applied relaxation, individuals are taught a series of muscle relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or deep breathing, that they can use to relax their muscles and reduce tension. They are then asked to practice these techniques on a daily basis in order to build their relaxation skills.

Once individuals have learned the relaxation techniques, they are then asked to use them in situations that trigger their anxiety. For example, if someone has a fear of public speaking, they may be asked to practice their relaxation techniques before giving a presentation.

Applied relaxation can be an effective treatment for a variety of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and specific phobias. It is typically delivered in individual therapy sessions with a mental health professional, although group therapy or online programs may also be available. Treatment typically involves weekly sessions over a period of several months.

Online Therapy for Generalised Anxiety Disorder in the UK

Online therapy has become an increasingly effective and accessible way to receive treatment for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

Many people with anxiety find it helpful to speak with a therapist from the comfort of their own home, particularly if travelling to appointments or attending clinics feels stressful.

At My Therapist Online, we connect people across the UK with experienced therapists who specialise in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including GAD.

Our therapists include:

• Chartered Clinical Psychologists

• BABCP Accredited CBT Therapists

• Counselling Psychologists

• Accredited Counsellors and Psychotherapists

Many therapists use evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is recommended by NICE guidelines as a first-line treatment for GAD.

All therapy sessions take place through secure online video appointments, allowing you to access specialist support wherever you are in the UK.

If persistent worry or anxiety is affecting your wellbeing, speaking with an experienced therapist can be an important first step towards feeling more in control again.

Recommended Reading for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Overcoming Worry and Generalised Anxiety Disorder, 2nd Edition (Overcoming Books): A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques - by Mark Freeston (Author), Kevin Meares

  The authors, Mark Freeston and Kevin Meares, use cognitive behavioural techniques (CBT) to help readers understand and manage their symptoms. Their writing style is clear and easy to understand, making the complex concepts accessible to everyone.

• Overcoming Anxiety: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques - by Helen Kennerley: This book provides an overview of CBT for GAD and includes exercises and techniques for readers to try.

• The CBT Handbook - by David Veale and Rob Willson: This book provides a comprehensive overview of CBT and includes exercises and techniques for managing GAD.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Your Toolkit to Modify Mood, Overcome Obstructions and Improve Your Life (Practical Guide Series) - by Elaine Iljon Foreman and Clair Pollard

• The CBT Toolbox: A Workbook for Clients and Clinicians Paperback - by Jeff Riggenbach
  

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Beginner's Guide - by Rob Willson: This book is designed as an introduction to CBT and includes exercises and techniques for managing GAD.
  

My Therapist Online can help you

If you recognise some of the symptoms above, you may benefit from speaking to one of our therapists. Our therapists are highly trained and experienced in the treatment GAD

We make finding the right therapist easy.

At My Therapist Online, we listen to the problems you are facing and match you with the right therapist for your individual needs. You can meet with them for a free initial consultation to be sure it is a good match before starting your therapy.

My Therapist Online Therapists who specialist in the treatment of GAD

• Dr Katarina Kovakova - Chartered Clinical Psychologist

• Dr Lee Martin - Clinical Psychologist

• Dr Matina Sotrilli - Counselling Psychologist

• Dr Rebecca Shaw - Clinical Psychologist

• Linda Solbrig - Senior Coaching Psychologist

• Dianne McCormick - Clinical Psychologist

• Dr Susana Lara - Clinical Psychologist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist

• Keith Gordon - CBT Therapist

• Stefan Bell - CBT & Schema Therapist

• Lucy Harvey - CBT Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist

• Chloe Formby - CBT & EMDR Therapist

• Sarah Kenny - CBT Therapist

• Clare Blissett - CBT Therapist

• Alex Haeri - CBT Therapist

• Claudia Mayfield - CBT & EMDR Therapist

• Gabby Kanyo - CBT Therapist & Eating Disorders Specialist

• Grainne Butler - CBT Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist

• Stephanie Harris - CBT & EMDR Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist

• Paul Gebka-Scuffins - CBT & EMDR Therapist

• Sarah Battye - CBT Therapist

• Fiorinta Lekkai - CBT Therapist

• Sophie Mayes - CBT Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist

• Helen Joselyn-Gadd - CBT Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

What is the difference between anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder?

Anxiety is a normal and natural human response to stress or uncertainty. Most people experience anxiety occasionally, such as before an important event, exam, or presentation.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is different. It involves persistent and excessive worry about a wide range of everyday situations, even when there is little reason to be concerned. People with GAD often find it very difficult to control their worry, and the anxiety may be present on most days for several months or longer.

GAD can also cause physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, sleep difficulties, and problems concentrating. When anxiety becomes frequent, difficult to control, and begins to interfere with daily life, professional support may be helpful.

Can generalised anxiety disorder be treated successfully?

Yes. Generalised anxiety disorder is highly treatable, and many people experience significant improvement with the right support.

Evidence-based psychological therapies, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), have strong research evidence showing they can reduce anxiety and help people develop more helpful ways of responding to worry.

Therapy focuses on helping people understand the patterns that maintain anxiety, develop practical coping strategies, and build confidence in managing uncertainty and stress.

Many people find that treatment not only reduces anxiety but also improves sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life.

How long does therapy for GAD take?

The length of therapy for generalised anxiety disorder can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s needs.

Many structured treatments such as CBT for GAD typically involve weekly sessions over several months. Some people begin to notice improvements within a few weeks, while others benefit from longer periods of support.

During therapy, your therapist will regularly review progress and adjust the treatment approach to ensure it is helping you move towards your goals.

Is CBT effective for generalised anxiety disorder?

Yes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely considered one of the most effective treatments for generalised anxiety disorder.

CBT helps people understand how thoughts, physical sensations, and behaviours interact to maintain anxiety. Therapy often focuses on identifying patterns of excessive worry, challenging unhelpful thinking styles, and developing practical skills to manage anxiety more effectively.

Research and clinical guidelines from organisations such as NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommend CBT as a first-line treatment for GAD.

Can online therapy help anxiety?

Yes. Online therapy can be an effective way to receive treatment for anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder.

Many people find online therapy helpful because it allows them to access professional support from the comfort of their own home. This can make it easier to attend regular sessions and begin therapy without the stress of travelling to appointments.

At My Therapist Online, we connect people across the UK with experienced therapists who specialise in anxiety disorders and provide evidence-based treatments through secure online video sessions. Online therapy offers a convenient and flexible way to begin addressing anxiety and developing effective coping strategies.