People with GAD feel anxious most days. They often struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed.
As soon as 1 anxious thought is resolved, another may appear about a different issue.
Speak to your GP if anxiety is:
affecting your daily life
causing you distress
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and your worries, fears and emotions.
Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a job interview.
During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal.
But some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and often affect their daily lives.
Anxiety is the main symptom of several conditions, including:
panic disorder
phobias
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
The information on this page is about a specific condition called generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
As soon as 1 anxious thought is resolved, another may appear about a different issue.
Speak to your GP if anxiety is:
affecting your daily life
causing you distress
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and your worries, fears and emotions.
Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a job interview.
During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal.
But some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and often affect their daily lives.
Anxiety is the main symptom of several conditions, including:
panic disorder
phobias
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
The information on this page is about a specific condition called generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD can cause a change in your behaviour and the way you think and feel about things. It can also cause physical changes. This results in symptoms like:
restlessness
a sense of dread
feeling constantly “on edge”
difficulty concentrating
irritability
dizziness
tiredness
a noticeably strong, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
muscle aches and tension
trembling or shaking
dry mouth
excessive sweating
shortness of breath
stomach ache
feeling sick
headache
pins and needles
difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia)
Your symptoms may cause you to withdraw from social contact to avoid feelings of worry and dread.
You may also find going to work difficult and stressful and may take time off sick. These actions can make you worry even more about yourself and increase your lack of self-esteem.