Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) refers to a type of Anxiety Disorder which is characterised by excessive day to day life events. These worries typically escalate into worse case scenarios which are disproportionate to the situation that initially triggers the worry. People with GAD often have a strong intolerance of uncertainty in life and tend to prefer to be in control or situations, often planning for every eventuality.
Often people with GAD are very high functioning and driven, and as such this type of Anxiety can often go unnoticed or undiagnosed for many years. Typically a trigger event where someone is unable to maintain control (e.g. relationship breakdown, loss of a loved one, relocating to a new area) will be a catalyst for GAD to become more problematic.
Key Symptoms
- Increased heart rate
- Stomach churning
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Increase in body temperature
- Shortness of breath
- Increased need to urinate
- IBS symptoms
- Shaking
- Wobbly legs
- Dry mouth
- Worrying
- Over-thinking
- Over-planning
- Researching lots of information before making a decision
- Difficulty making decisions
- Reassurance seeking
- Wanting to do everything yourself and difficulty delegating
- Anxiety
- Low mood
Treatment
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Re-processing (EMDR)
Contact us to book an assessment and discuss treatment options.