Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Treatment GAD
Overcome your generalised anxiety
Anxiety disorders encompass several different types, all of which share a common feature – associating a specific area with danger. In Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), however, the perceived danger is broad and relates to numerous future events or situations.
Individuals with GAD overthink and attempt to resolve issues in their minds, despite the fact that no real solutions can be found through excessive rumination. On the contrary, constant worry limits life, increases tension, and keeps the individual in a constant fight-or-flight state. They allow anxious thoughts to dominate and often feel they must always be prepared for unexpected or dangerous situations.
Worry is positively reinforced, meaning that because the feared event rarely occurs, the brain incorrectly concludes that worry itself prevented it from happening – a misguided belief that fuels further anxiety.
What is GAD?
GAD stands for Generalised Anxiety Disorder, a form of anxiety disorder. People with GAD tend to worry excessively about things that others might consider harmless or insignificant, and this worry can be difficult to control.
Common symptoms include:
Persistent worry about a range of different situations
Physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, breathlessness, and muscle tension
Difficulty concentrating due to overwhelming thoughts
Restlessness and feeling constantly on edge
GAD is a common anxiety disorder, affecting people of all ages, though it is more frequently diagnosed in adults. The inability to control worrying thoughts can interfere with daily life and well-being.
Treatment through therapy for GAD
GAD treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Therapy helps individuals understand the causes of their anxiety and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Medication may sometimes be prescribed to alleviate symptoms, improving overall quality of life. If you believe you may have GAD, seeking professional help is crucial, as untreated anxiety can negatively impact daily life and relationships. With the right support, individuals can manage their anxiety and lead a healthier, more balanced life.
Free consultation for GAD treatment
At World Psychologists, we provide specialist treatment for GAD. Our experienced therapists and psychologists will equip you with tools to manage anxiety and worry effectively.
Worry and anxiety are a part of life
People with GAD often describe a constant mental battle, like a tennis match between calming thoughts and anxious thoughts. Instead of fully engaging with their negative thoughts, they try to neutralise them with reassuring thoughts, which becomes a form of avoidance that sustains anxiety.
Anxiety and worry are a natural part of life, and everyone experiences unnecessary worry at times. However, in Generalised Anxiety Disorder, worry and distress are so persistent and overwhelming that they interfere with daily life.
GAD is characterised by:
A persistent sense of unease about various areas of life
Worry that feels overwhelming, long-lasting, and difficult to control
Anxiety about the anxiety itself (meta-anxiety)
People with GAD often report feeling irritable, restless, or constantly on edge, leading to physical discomfort, headaches, and muscle tension. Chronic anxiety can also affect cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration, resulting in further difficulties in daily life.
GAD treatment and therapy
One of the main focuses of GAD therapy is learning to distinguish between productive and unproductive worry.
Productive worry leads to constructive action.
Unproductive worry concerns issues beyond one’s control in the present moment.
Mindfulness is often incorporated into GAD treatment. Individuals learn to observe their thoughts as thoughts—rather than facts. Cognitive defusion techniques help create distance from anxious thoughts, reducing their emotional impact.
Breaking the cycle of worry
It is helpful to identify the situations that trigger worry. In some cases, changing behaviour—such as going for a walk or engaging in physical activity instead of lying in bed and overthinking—can significantly reduce anxiety levels.
There is a direct link between a lack of activity and excessive negative thoughts, including worry.
Shifting attention away from thoughts and focusing on the present moment can help break the cycle of worry, as anxiety is often rooted in thoughts about the past or the future.
GAD therapy in London
We offer assessments and treatment for GAD at our clinics in London. We strive to offer short waiting times and quick access to support.
Meditation and relaxation for GAD
Relaxation techniques are highly effective for managing GAD, as people with anxiety tend to hold physical tension in their bodies, as if they are constantly preparing for danger.
A common relaxation exercise involves:
Tensing and then releasing different muscle groups, allowing the body to relax
Reducing the fight-or-flight response by calming the nervous system
When the body relaxes, the mind interprets this as a sign of safety, reducing anxiety levels. If the body remains tense and on high alert, it actively searches for threats, increasing feelings of fear.
Studies have shown that mindfulness and meditation activate different areas of the brain compared to states of stress.
Exploring one’s life compass
Another effective approach for GAD is analysing life’s key components—such as:
Relationships
Work or studies
Health
Leisure activities
By focusing on how to improve these areas, individuals spend less time caught up in anxious thoughts. When people remain passive, worry tends to increase.
Scheduled worry time – a practical exercise
One structured technique used in therapy is "worry time", in which individuals schedule a daily time slot to focus on their worries.
During this period, they:
Expose themselves to their anxious thoughts without suppressing them
Avoid reassuring thoughts that serve as avoidance mechanisms
Over time, this reduces the intensity and frequency of worries. Studies show that individuals who regularly practise worry time eventually experience:
Fewer intrusive worries
Less emotional distress when anxiety arises
Between worry sessions, individuals are encouraged to postpone worries as much as possible. Eventually, they realise that the feared catastrophes do not occur, even when they worry less—helping them let go of the belief that worry is necessary.
GAD and work
GAD can significantly impact work performance. People with GAD struggle with concentration, as their minds are often occupied by worrying thoughts. This can affect:
Productivity
Decision-making abilities
Interactions with colleagues
Stress management at work
Physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, sweating, breathlessness, and muscle tension, can make it even harder to focus.
If you suspect that GAD is affecting your professional life, seeking support and treatment can help you manage anxiety and maintain a balanced, fulfilling work-life.