What is generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a type of anxiety disorder where people have uncontrollable and persistent worry that affects their day-to-day life on an ongoing basis.

What are the symptoms of GAD?

You could be dealing with GAD if:

• you uncontrollably worry about many different things, a lot of the time
• your worry makes it hard to do everyday things like working and seeing friends
• you're often tired but can't sleep properly
• you constantly feel tense or restless
• your heart races or your mouth gets dry
• you have difficulty concentrating
• you are irritable
• your jaw or back is sore from muscle tension

If you have these symptoms on more days than not for 6 months or more, it could be GAD.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use our anxiety, stress and depression Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

How is GAD treated?

GAD can be treated. If you're feeling constantly anxious and worried, the safest way to start dealing with GAD is to talk to a doctor or a mental health professional. A health professional might recommend supportive psychological therapy or, if it's more severe, prescribe medicines that can help manage anxiety.

Resources and support

• Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
• Suicide Call Back Service (for anyone thinking about suicide) — 1300 659 467
• Lifeline (for anyone having a personal crisis) — call 13 11 14 or chat online
• ReachOut Worry Time — an app to help you reduce your worry time