Generalised anxiety disorder — constant worry
लगातार चिंता (GAD)
In GAD, worry is excessive, jumps from one topic to another and is hard to switch off, usually for six months or more. The body stays tense as if danger is always near.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Worrying most days about many different things
- Feeling restless, keyed up or on edge
- Getting tired easily
- Difficulty concentrating, mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension, headache, neck pain
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Causes
- Inherited tendency to anxiety
- Long-term stress — finances, illness in family, job insecurity
- Thinking style that overestimates danger
- Excess caffeine, thyroid problems, alcohol withdrawal
Risk factors
- Anxious or perfectionist personality
- Family history of anxiety or depression
- Long periods of stress or uncertainty
- Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol use
How it is diagnosed
- Excessive worry on most days for at least several months, hard to control
- Body symptoms such as restlessness, tiredness, muscle tension and poor sleep
- Ruling out thyroid problems, heart rhythm problems and substance withdrawal
Classification: ICD-10 F41.1 · ICD-11 6B00
Treatment options
- 1CBT: learning to recognise and test worry thoughts, 'worry time' techniques
- 2Relaxation and breathing practice
- 3Non-habit-forming medicines (antidepressants) when needed
- 4Avoiding long-term sleeping pills
- 5Exercise, sleep routine, reducing tea/coffee
Psychotherapy and counselling
- CBT for worry: scheduling a daily "worry time" and testing worried predictions
- Learning to tolerate uncertainty instead of seeking constant reassurance
- Relaxation, breathing and mindfulness practice
Guidance for family
- Listen without arguing about whether the worry is "real"
- Support regular sleep, exercise and less tea/coffee in the house
- Encourage completing treatment even after feeling better
When to see a psychiatrist
- Worry affects work, family or sleep
- You feel tense almost every day
- You use alcohol or pills to calm down
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Free self-assessment
A short screening in Hindi or English. Private — nothing is saved. Screening does not establish a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is GAD just my nature?
Some people are natural worriers, but when worry is constant and distressing it is a treatable condition.
How quickly does treatment work?
Many people notice improvement in 4–8 weeks of therapy and/or medicines.
Is there a self-check?
Yes — the free GAD-7 test in Hindi and English.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.