What Is Generalised Anxiety Disorder? Signs, Causes, And How To Treat It

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition where excessive, uncontrollable worry persists across multiple areas of life for six months or more.

TL;DR

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by chronic, excessive worry about everyday issues — work, finances, relationships, health — even when there's no clear threat.

  • Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, racing thoughts, tension, and sleep problems.

  • GAD is common and treatable with CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), mindfulness therapy, and (sometimes) medication.

  • GAD differs from normal stress — it's more persistent, pervasive, and hard to control.

  • A clinical psychologist can help diagnose and treat GAD with evidence-based strategies.

WHAT IS GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER?

Everyone worries from time to time. But Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves constant, overwhelming worry that's difficult to control and disproportionate to actual events. It's not linked to a specific situation — instead, the anxiety spreads across multiple life domains and becomes a constant mental background.

People with GAD often describe feeling "wired and tired," always on alert, or trapped in a loop of "what if" thoughts they can't switch off. They often find it difficult to make decisions.

According to Beyond Blue and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), GAD affects up to 6% of Australians over their lifetime — and it's more common in women than men.

WHAT DOES GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER FEEL LIKE?


PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

  • -Persistent worry across multiple areas (e.g. health, work, relationships)

  • -Inability to relax or "switch off"

  • -Feeling on edge or keyed up

  • -Irritability or tearfulness

  • -Catastrophising or imagining worst-case scenarios

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

  • Fatigue, even after rest

  • Muscle aches or tension (especially shoulders and jaw)

  • Stomach discomfort or nausea

  • Headaches

  • Sleep disturbance (trouble falling or staying asleep)

BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS

  • Procrastination or overchecking

  • Seeking excessive reassurance

  • Avoiding responsibilities due to worry

  • Difficulty making decisions

Over time, untreated GAD can lead to burnout, depression, and physical health issues such as chronic pain, digestive trouble, and cardiovascular strain.

HOW IS GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER DIAGNOSED?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a person may be diagnosed with GAD if:

  • They experience excessive anxiety and worry more days than not for at least 6 months

  • The worry is about multiple areas (e.g. work, family, finances, health)

  • The person finds it difficult to control the worry

  • The anxiety is accompanied by at least 3 of the following: Restlessness, Fatigue, Difficulty concentrating, Irritability, Muscle tension, Sleep disturbance

  • Symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning

GENERALISED ANXIETY VS NORMAL WORRY

Many people with GAD feel invalidated when told to "just stop worrying" or "calm down." It's important to distinguish normal worry from GAD:

  • Normal Worry: Linked to a specific event or deadline; Comes and goes; Feels manageable; Doesn't affect functioning.

  • GAD: Generalised across many areas; Ongoing for months or years; Feels out of control; Interferes with sleep, work, or relationships.

WHAT CAUSES GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER?

There's no single cause, but several contributing factors include:

  • Genetics: Family history of anxiety or mood disorders

  • Brain chemistry: Imbalances in serotonin, norepinephrine, or GABA

  • Personality: Perfectionism, high sensitivity, or need for control

  • Life experiences: Early trauma, bullying, chronic stress

  • Environment: Pressures related to work, parenting, finances, or health

It's often a combination of biological vulnerability and learned thought patterns that leads to GAD.

HOW IS GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER TREATED?

The good news: GAD is highly treatable. Most people improve significantly with the right support.

1. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)

CBT is the most effective and widely used therapy for GAD. It helps by:

  • Identifying unhelpful thought patterns (e.g. catastrophising)

  • Challenging worry-based thinking with realistic alternatives

  • Learning problem-solving and decision-making strategies

  • Reducing overchecking and reassurance-seeking behaviours

  • Practicing relaxation and grounding techniques

2. ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)

ACT helps people unhook from anxious thoughts by observing them without reacting. It emphasises:

  • Mindfulness

  • Values-based action (doing what matters even when anxious)

  • Psychological flexibility

3. MINDFULNESS-BASED THERAPIES

Mindfulness meditation and MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) can help reduce the "mental chatter" associated with GAD and calm the nervous system.

4. LIFESTYLE SUPPORT

  • Regular exercise (especially aerobic activity)

  • Limiting caffeine and alcohol

  • Good sleep hygiene

  • Healthy routines and structure

A NOTE ON MEDICATION

Medication may be considered if symptoms are severe or persistent.

  • SSRIs (e.g. escitalopram, sertraline)

  • SNRIs (e.g. venlafaxine)

  • Occasionally benzodiazepines (short-term only)

  • Buspirone is sometimes used specifically for GAD

Medication should be prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist and ideally combined with therapy.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

You should consider seeing a mental health professional if:

  • Your worry feels constant and overwhelming

  • You can't relax even in safe situations

  • You're exhausted from tension or poor sleep

  • Your work, study, or relationships are affected

  • You've tried self-help but still feel stuck

SUPPORT FOR GENERALISED ANXIETY IN SYDNEY

At Equilibrium Psychology, we offer professional support for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and related conditions from our clinic in the Sydney CBD, just 3 minutes from Wynyard Station.

We also work with clients from nearby suburbs including Barangaroo, Ultimo, Pyrmont, Surry Hills and beyond, and provide telehealth appointments Australia-wide.

MEET OUR PSYCHOLOGISTS WHO WORK WITH GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER

Looking for a psychologist with experience in generalised anxiety disorder therapy?

Learn more about our team here or call (02) 9262 6156 to find a psychologist who's a good fit for your needs.

WHY CHOOSE EQUILIBRIUM PSYCHOLOGY?

Established almost 20 years ago by clinical psychologist Gemma Cribb, with more than 20 experienced clinical psychologists registered with AHPRA, (plus Angel the therapy dog!) we offer:

  • CBT, ACT, EMDR, and mindfulness-based therapy

  • Treatment for anxiety, stress, and burnout

  • Medicare rebates with GP referrals

  • After-hours and telehealth sessions

  • Experienced psychologists registered with AHPRA

  • No waitlists

NEXT STEPS

You don't need to live with constant worry. Recovery is possible.

👉 Send an enquiry online, or

📞 Call our friendly team on (02) 9262 6156 to find the right psychologist for you.

NEED URGENT SUPPORT?

If you're feeling overwhelmed or need immediate help, please contact:

- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

- Lifeline: 13 11 14

- In an emergency, call 000

These services are available 24/7 and can provide immediate support.

*Last updated: July 2025*

REFERENCES

- Beyond Blue. Generalised Anxiety Disorder. https://www.beyondblue.org.au

- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Anxiety Disorders. https://www.ranzcp.org

Gemille Cribb