Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive, persistent, and often uncontrollable worry about a variety of everyday situations or events. This worry is disproportionate to the actual circumstances and is typically accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms that interfere with daily life. GAD is becoming increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents, a trend that has raised significant concern among mental health professionals, educators, and parents. Several factors contribute to this rise, and its effects can be profound if not addressed promptly.

Key Features of GAD

  1. Excessive Worry:

    • The worry is difficult to control and occurs more days than not for at least six months.

    • It is about a range of topics, such as work, health, finances, family, or minor matters.

  2. Physical Symptoms:

    • Restlessness or feeling on edge

    • Fatigue

    • Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank

    • Irritability

    • Muscle tension

    • Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep)

  3. Emotional Symptoms:

    • Persistent feelings of apprehension or dread

    • Difficulty relaxing

    • Feeling overwhelmed by worry

  4. Impairment in Functioning:

    • The worry and associated symptoms significantly interfere with work, social interactions, or other important areas of functioning.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of GAD is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some risk factors include:

  • Family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions

  • Personality traits such as shyness or perfectionism

  • Chronic stress or exposure to traumatic events

  • Imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters)

Diagnosis

A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, diagnoses GAD. The condition is distinguished from normal anxiety by its intensity, duration, and impact on daily life.

Treatment

GAD is treatable, and common approaches include:

  1. Psychotherapy:

    • Helps individuals identify and change patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to anxiety.

  2. Medications:

    • Antidepressants

    • Anti-anxiety medications

    • Short-term use of benzodiazepines for acute symptoms

  3. Lifestyle Changes:

    • Regular exercise

    • Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation

    • Healthy diet and adequate sleep

  4. Support Groups:

    • Connecting with others who experience similar challenges.

Factors likely contributing to the increase of GAD in children & adolescents

  1. Social Media and Technology:

    • Increased screen time and exposure to social media can lead to cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, and information overload, which exacerbate anxiety.

    • Fear of missing out (FOMO) and constant connectivity may contribute to heightened stress levels.

  2. Academic Pressure:

    • High expectations for academic success, coupled with competitive school environments, can lead to stress and anxiety in children and teens.

    • Standardized testing and extracurricular overcommitments further add to the pressure.

  3. Family and Environmental Stressors:

    • Financial instability, parental conflicts, or divorce can create unstable home environments, increasing anxiety risks.

    • Exposure to global challenges, such as climate change, political unrest, or pandemics, can create existential concerns in young people.

  4. Post-Pandemic Effects:

    • COVID-19 disrupted routines, isolated children socially, and increased uncertainty, which has had long-lasting impacts on mental health.

    • Many children struggled with the transition back to in-person learning, further exacerbating anxiety.

  5. Increased Awareness and Diagnosis:

    • Improved awareness of mental health issues has led to more diagnoses, which can give the appearance of an increase but also reflects better recognition and reporting.

Manifestations of GAD in Children and Adolescents

  • Excessive worry about various aspects of life, including school, friendships, family dynamics, or health.

  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, or trouble sleeping.

  • Difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and irritability.

  • Avoidance of specific situations or tasks due to fear or worry.

Implications

If left untreated, GAD can have long-term consequences, including:

  • Academic underperformance.

  • Social withdrawal and relationship challenges.

  • Increased risk of substance abuse.

  • Greater susceptibility to depression and other mental health conditions in adulthood.

Addressing the Issue

  1. Early Identification:

    • Regular mental health screenings in schools and pediatric settings can help detect anxiety disorders early.

  2. Therapeutic Interventions:

    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective in helping children manage anxiety.

    • Mindfulness-based techniques and relaxation strategies can be beneficial.

  3. Parental and Educator Support:

    • Open communication, empathy, and reducing excessive pressure can alleviate stress.

    • Educators can create inclusive and supportive environments to minimize academic and social anxiety.

  4. Policy-Level Changes:

    • Schools and communities can implement programs promoting mental health awareness and resilience.

  5. Lifestyle Changes:

    • Encouraging regular physical activity, healthy sleep patterns, and balanced nutrition can improve overall mental health.

By addressing these factors and fostering a supportive environment, the trend of increasing GAD in children and adolescents can be mitigated, ensuring healthier and happier futures for young individuals.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has GAD, seeking a comprehensive evaluation is the best first step. It can help to confirm the diagnosis and develop a tailored treatment plan. The Soke offers assessment and treatment pathways for both adults and children, in our Chelsea and Wimbledon sites. We also provide support and training for individuals, families, schools and organisations who want to better manage the relationship with the diagnosed individual. Please contact our Client Services team to discuss your symptoms - or the symptoms of your loved one - so that they can guide you towards the most appropriate solution to suit your particular circumstances. They can also be reached on 020 7139 5051.