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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Persistent and excessive worry across multiple domains of life

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

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What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition defined by persistent and excessive anxiety or worry about everyday events, health, work, finances, or family for more days than not.

According to DSM-5-TR criteria, the worry is difficult to control and lasts at least six months, accompanied by three or more somatic symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, or concentration difficulties.

Neurobiological models suggest altered activity in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and GABA/serotonin pathways, combined with genetic predisposition and learned cognitive patterns.

GAD is highly treatable, and early recognition improves quality of life and reduces long-term comorbidity with depression, other anxiety disorders, or substance misuse.

Symptoms

Persistent worry about many different topics that feels hard to stop or control
Restlessness or feeling keyed up, on edge, or unable to relax
Easy fatigability and reduced energy despite adequate rest
Difficulty concentrating or a sense that the mind goes blank
Muscle tension, tension-type headaches, or jaw clenching
Sleep disturbance, particularly difficulty falling or staying asleep

Risk Factors

Family history of anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders
Chronic medical illness, pain, or endocrine disorders (for example, thyroid disease)
Exposure to chronic stress, work overload, caregiving, or financial insecurity
History of childhood adversity, trauma, or insecure attachment
Temperamental traits of behavioral inhibition or high neuroticism
Excessive caffeine, stimulant, or alcohol use

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Seek psychiatric evaluation when worry and physical tension persist for weeks and interfere with work, school, or relationships.
  • Consult a clinician urgently if anxiety is accompanied by panic attacks, severe insomnia, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm.
  • A medical check is advised when symptoms begin alongside chest pain, palpitations, weight loss, or other findings suggesting a general medical cause.

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive assessment including medical evaluation to exclude thyroid, cardiac, or substance-related causes
02
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) targeting worry processes, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral experiments
03
Pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) as first-line options
04
Adjunctive approaches such as relaxation training, mindfulness-based interventions, and sleep regulation
05
Lifestyle measures including regular aerobic exercise, caffeine reduction, and structured problem-solving
06
Regular follow-up to monitor response, functional recovery, and side-effect tolerability

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Psikiyatri department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.