What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a type of anxiety disorder characterised by excessive and uncontrollable worry about a variety of events or activities. People with GAD may experience persistent and excessive worry about everyday things, such as work, school, relationships, health, or finances, even when there is no significant emergency or external worry. This worry is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Many individuals worry, but GAD impacts a person’s quality of life and relationships, acting as a barrier to the individual leading the life they wish to lead
More information can be found out about GAD through scheduling an appointment with a London based CBT therapist online or in-person by clicking here
What causes GAD?
The exact causes of GAD are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. GAD may be triggered by stress, trauma, or major life changes, and may also be associated with certain medical conditions or substance use.
Do I have GAD?
Individuals may wonder what the signs and symptoms are for GAD. Below is a self-administered patient questionnaire which is used as a screening tool and severity measure for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Click here for GAD screening tool
If you would like to schedule an assessment with an online CBT therapist, please click here to make contact.
How can GAD be treated?
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment used successfully to treat GAD. CBT aims to help individuals identify and challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs about their worries, develop coping strategies for managing anxiety, and gradually confront their fears through exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing individuals to the situations or stimuli that trigger their anxiety, in a safe and controlled environment, until they can tolerate them without experiencing excessive worry or anxiety.
During CBT, individuals also learn relaxation techniques, stress management skills, and problem-solving strategies to help them manage and prevent excessive worry. CBT can also help individuals develop a greater understanding of the underlying causes of GAD, and to develop a more positive and constructive outlook on their ability to manage symptoms. Research has shown that CBT is highly effective in reducing worry and anxiety in people with GAD and improving their quality of life.
Contact
Evidence based treatment with a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist in London online or in-person home visits available
If you feel that you, a friend or relative would like help with managing stress and worry then please get in touch via email: info@homebasedtalkingtherapy.com