Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Generalised anxiety disorder is a medical condition in which worry about everyday things is excessive, hard to control and present on most days for six months or more. It also causes restlessness, tiredness and poor sleep. It is treatable, and a psychiatrist can assess which care suits you.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Excessive worry most days
- Difficulty controlling worry
- Restlessness and feeling on edge
- Fatigue
How it is usually treated
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- SSRIs and SNRIs
- Buspirone
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I worry about everything all the time”
- “I cannot switch off my thoughts”
- “My mind keeps expecting the worst”
- “I feel tense and tired from constant worry”
People who live with generalised anxiety disorder may also notice depression, sleep problems or panic attacks. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if anxiety stops you working, studying or sleeping, or you have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks how long the worry has lasted, what it is about, and how it affects sleep and daily life, and checks for other causes such as thyroid problems, substance use or depression.
Treatment and support
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a first-line talk therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction are also used
- Relaxation and breathing skills alongside treatment
How Mindly helps
Your first video consultation is with a psychiatrist, in your language. A plan is agreed with you and reviewed. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist asks what worries or fears show up, when, and what you avoid because of them, and rules out other causes.
Who is involved
Your psychiatrist can prescribe if medicine would help, and a clinical psychologist can teach skills such as CBT and exposure-based work.
Between sessions
You practise skills between sessions, and reviews look at what is getting easier.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour 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
Is anxiety a mental illness?
Yes. Anxiety disorders are recognised medical conditions and respond well to treatment. Everyday nervousness is normal; an anxiety disorder is worry that is excessive, lasts months and disrupts daily life.
Does anxiety need treatment?
Yes, if it lasts months and disrupts daily life. CBT works well for many people, and a psychiatrist can agree a plan with you.
How is GAD different from normal worry?
Normal worry fits the situation and passes. In GAD the worry is out of proportion, hard to switch off and affects sleep, body and daily tasks.
How long does treatment take?
It varies. Your clinician will review progress with you.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.
Sources
- White Swan Foundation: anxiety disorders
- iCall, TISS
- NIMHANS National Mental Health Survey
- NHS: Generalised anxiety disorder in adults
- WHO: Anxiety disorders (fact sheet)
Related conditions
- Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
- Insomnia Disorder
- Health Anxiety (Illness Anxiety Disorder)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Specific Phobias