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Generalised Anxiety Disorder

What is generalised anxiety disorder?

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by excessive worry about everyday issues that is disproportionate to any inherent risk. One-third of people diagnosed with GAD are male, but this statistic doesn't include the 50% of people with GAD that don't seek treatment and therefore don't get their diagnosis. It's most common in people between 35 and 55 years old, and a fewer than one-third of people with GAD receive adequate treatment.

 

What are the symptoms of GAD?

At least three of these symptoms will be present for at least six months, causing significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. 

  • Restlessness

  • Nervousness

  • Easily fatigued

  • Poor concentration

  • Irritability

  • Muscle tension

  • Sleep disturbance

 

What can influence the onset of GAD?

  • Family history: a family history of anxiety disorders, depression, or other psychiatric disorders can increase our risk of developing GAD.

  • Childhood adversity: these are negative experiences in our childhood that can increase the chances of developing GAD, such as:

            -  Maternal depression, family disruption (e.g. divorce)

            -  Domestic violence, parental substance misuse

            -  Bullying

            -  Exposure to an overprotective or overly harsh parenting style

            -  Neglect and abuse

  • History of physical, sexual, emotional or coercive trauma

  • Substance dependence

  • Chronic physical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease

  • Sociodemographic factors such as:

            -  Being separated, widowed or divorced

            -  Unemployment

            -  Low income

            -  Low education levels

 

How is GAD treated?

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