Signs of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a long-term condition in which you feel anxious about many things, on most days, without being able to switch the worry off. Common signs include restlessness, trouble concentrating, irritability and poor sleep. It is treatable, and a doctor can assess it.
Last updated 2 November 2026
Signs in how you think and feel
- feeling restless, on edge or worried most days
- trouble concentrating or your mind going blank
- feeling irritable
- worrying about things that are hard to control, such as health, money, work or family
Signs in your body
- trouble sleeping
- tiredness
- a racing or pounding heartbeat
- muscle tension, headaches or dizziness
- stomach upset
Worry or GAD?
Everyone worries. Think about GAD when the worry is hard to control, is about many different things, lasts for months, and affects sleep, work, study or relationships.
When to get help
Talk to a doctor if anxiety is part of most of your days or is getting in the way of daily life. A psychiatrist can assess you and suggest talking therapy, medicine, or both. Self-help alone is not enough for everyone, and early help makes it easier to manage.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.
How to start
- Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
Book your free pre-consultation call
Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
How do I know if my worry is GAD?
Look at how long it lasts and how much it affects you. Worry that is hard to control, covers many topics, lasts for months and disturbs sleep or daily life is a reason to see a doctor.
Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?
Yes. A racing heart, tense muscles, headaches, dizziness and an upset stomach are common. If symptoms are new or severe, get a medical check too.
Is GAD treatable?
Yes. Talking therapy such as CBT, medicine, or both can help, and a psychiatrist can explain which suits you.
Related
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- GAD-7 anxiety self-test
- Is it anxiety or stress?
- Baby blues or postnatal depression?
- Signs of an anxiety disorder: when worry becomes a problem
Sources
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.