22nd February 2024

Background

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder worldwide. It affects 4.5% of the adult population in England and is twice as common in females. 

GAD is defined as persistent worry and anxiety about more than one different thing. The worry can be related to anything from the outcomes of day-to-day activities to concerns about the individual’s own health or the health of a loved one. If left untreated it can take a chronic course, which can be as debilitating to the individual as a chronic physical health condition. GAD can have a significant impact on occupational and social functioning, As a result, patients are reported to have a poor quality of life and are at an increased risk of suicide.