Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition in which a person is often worried or anxious about many things and finds it hard to control this anxiety.

GAD; Anxiety disorder

There is no test that can make a diagnosis of GAD. The diagnosis is based on your answers to questions about the symptoms of GAD. Your health care provider will ask about these symptoms, and will likely ask you about other aspects of your mental and physical health. A physical exam or laboratory tests may be done to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.

The goal of treatment is to help you feel better and function well in daily life. In less severe cases, talk therapy or medication alone can be helpful. In more severe cases, a combination of these may work best.

Talk Therapy

There are multiple types of talk therapy that may be helpful for GAD. One of the more common and effective talk therapies for GAD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help you understand the relationship between your thoughts, your behaviors and your symptoms. Often CBT involves a set number of visits. During CBT you can learn how to:

• Understand and gain control of distorted views of stressors, such as other people's behavior or life events.
• Recognize and replace panic-causing thoughts to help you feel more in control.
• Manage stress and relax when symptoms occur.
• Avoid thinking that minor problems will develop into terrible ones.

Medicines

Medicines can also be an important part of treatment. Once you start them, do not stop taking them without talking with your health care provider. Commonly prescribed medicines for GAD include antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Self-care

Other than taking medicine and going to therapy, you can help yourself get better by:

• Reducing caffeine
• Not using street drugs
• Exercising, getting enough rest, and eating healthy foods

You can ease the stress of having GAD by joining a support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

Support groups are usually not a good substitute for talk therapy or medication, but can be a helpful addition.

How well a person does depends on how severe the condition is. In some cases, GAD is long-term and is difficult to treat. Most patients, though, get better with medicine and/or talk therapy.

Depression and substance abuse may occur with an anxiety disorder.

Call your health care provider if you frequently worry or feel anxious, especially if it interferes with your daily activities.

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