What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Anxiety and fear are common emotions. But, while fear is a normal response to a perceived threat, anxiety is an unwarranted or inappropriate fear to a vague or ill-defined threat.
However, when these emotions are persistent, excessive, and irrational, they may affect:
- The way a person leads his life
- The person's ability to work
- The person's ability to cope with the demands of life or relationships
- When this happens, anxiety becomes a disorder
Additional Resources
NHG_Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).pdf
NHG_Generalised_Anxiety_Disorder_GAD_Chi.pdf
NHG_Generalised_Anxiety_Disorder_GAD_Mal.pdf
NHG_Generalised_Anxiety_Disorder_GAD_Tam.pdf
nhg_polyclinics_understanding_and_managing_anxiety.pdf (Original)
There is usually a combination of factors that contribute to GAD.
- Genetic – a family member suffers from a mental health condition
- Biochemical – hormonal and chemical imbalance
- Cognitive – misinterpreting physical sensation as threatening or having a serious medical condition
In GAD, the anxiety symptoms occur most of the day, persistent, and may not be restricted to any event.
You may feel some/all the unpleasant mental symptoms such as:
- Apprehension
- Confusion
- Worry
- Feeling keyed up or on edge
- A sense of helplessness
- Repeated negative thoughts
It also triggers a wide range of physical symptoms such as:
- Muscle tension and weakness
- Pounding heart (palpitations)
- Difficulty breathing
Treatment for GAD often includes a combination of psychotherapy (such as cognitive - behavioural therapy) and medications.
- Psychotherapy helps individuals understand and manage anxious thoughts and behaviours
- Medications like benzodiazepines or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms
Others
- Sharing one's feelings with a supportive person
- Performing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises
- Meditation or distracting oneself with favourite activities
- Doing physical exercises
- Using positive self talk, e.g. "I can do this"; "Things won't be as bad as I predict"
- Picturing oneself successfully facing and conquering that fear
Regular communications with a mental health professional is essential to monitor progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan if needed. Lifestyle changes, stress management, and self-care are also crucial components of managing GAD.
