What are the signs and symptoms?

The symptoms of GAD can develop over a long period of time. Most people experience a combination of general, physical and behavioural symptoms, all of which vary from person to person.

Most people with GAD first go to see their doctor about their physical symptoms because these are most obvious and probably the easiest to explain.

It’s important to recognise that although you may have been living with these physical symptoms for some time, it may actually be GAD which is the underlying cause.

If you have two or three symptoms from each of the three categories below, then you should go to see your doctor and ask them about GAD. Sometimes, people might overlook the psychological symptoms because they are embarrassed or they find it difficult to explain how they feel.

Ask yourself how many of the symptoms below you are experiencing. If several of these symptoms strike a chord, especially when there is a persistent and long standing sense of anxiety and worry, then it’s very important you go to speak to your doctor as this is the first step towards getting better.

General symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Problems falling or staying asleep, and sleep that is often restless and unsatisfying

• Restlessness and often becoming startled very easily.

Physical symptoms include:

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness and tiredness

• Pins and needles

• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

• Muscle aches and tension

• Dry mouth

• Excessive sweating

• Shortness of breath

• Stomach ache

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Headache

• Excessive thirst

• Frequent urinating

• Painful or missed periods

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia).

Behavioural symptoms include:

• Inability to relax, enjoy quiet time or be by yourself

• Putting things off because you feel overwhelmed

• Avoiding situations that make you anxious

• Feeling unable to handle situations where there is an uncertain outcome.

How does GAD change over time?

GAD varies from person to person and the exact way in which it presents itself is down to many factors, such as genetics, mood, time of year, upbringing and the support  received from friends and family, to name but a few.

GAD is a complex condition which doesn’t necessarily go away, nor does it necessarily get worse. Many people with GAD find their symptoms come and go. Some days they may feel fine, while other days the psychological and physical symptoms may be intense enough to stop them from working, socialising and doing other things they enjoy.

The goal of treating GAD is to reduce or eliminate the number of days when the symptoms are bad, but this can only be achieved if you stick to the treatments you are prescribed by the healthcare professionals you see during your NHS journey.