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| Generalised Anxiety Disorder |
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Q & A about Generalised Anxiety Disorder
- How common is Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
- Is Generalised Anxiety Disorder a chronic
(ongoing) condition?
- How can I be sure
that my physical symptoms are not really something
medical that just hasn't been found yet?
- Do people recover
from Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
1. How common is Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
About 5% of people in Australia will develop generalised
anxiety disorder during their lifetime. It is
more common in women than men.
2. Is Generalised Anxiety Disorder a chronic (ongoing)
condition?
Yes. Many individuals with generalised anxiety
disorder say they felt anxious and nervous all
their lives. More than half of the people who
are treated for the disorder say they began to
worry excessively in childhood or adolescence.
However, it is not uncommon for symptoms to begin
after the age of 20. Generalised anxiety disorder
usually fluctuates and worsens during times of
stress.
3. How can I be sure that
my physical symptoms are not really something
medical that just hasn't been found yet?
This is a natural concern, but is worsened in
people with excessive worry. This worry is best
addressed by getting to know a doctor who you
feel is listening to your complaints. Your doctor
has been trained how to check for medical conditions
that might explain your symptoms.
4. Do people recover from
Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
Yes! There is treatment available for symptoms
of persistent and excessive worry that occur in
generalised anxiety disorder. In addition to medication,
'talking therapy' may be helpful.
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