Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent, excessive worry that feels difficult to control. People with GAD often find themselves anxious about everyday situations, such as work, health, finances, or relationships, even when there is no immediate or specific threat.

Unlike situational stress or short-term anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder tends to be ongoing and can interfere with daily functioning, concentration, sleep, and overall well-being. With appropriate treatment, many individuals experience meaningful relief and learn effective ways to manage anxiety over time.

At Insights Group, we provide therapy for generalized anxiety disorder to adults across Portsmouth and the Seacoast of New Hampshire, including Dover, Exeter, Hampton, Rye, Durham, Newmarket, North Hampton, and surrounding communities.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

Generalized anxiety disorder can affect both emotional and physical health. Symptoms may vary from person to person and can change over time.

Common symptoms of GAD include:

  • Persistent or excessive worry that feels difficult to control
  • Feeling restless, on edge, or keyed up
  • Difficulty concentrating or feeling that the mind “goes blank”
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue or feeling mentally drained
  • Muscle tension
  • Sleep difficulties, including trouble falling or staying asleep

Many people with generalized anxiety disorder also experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach discomfort, nausea, chest tightness, or muscle pain. These symptoms are real and can be distressing, even when medical evaluations do not reveal a physical cause.

What Causes Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

There is no single cause of generalized anxiety disorder. Instead, GAD typically develops as the result of several interacting factors.

These may include:

  • Genetic predisposition to anxiety or mood disorders
  • Chronic stress or ongoing life pressures
  • Traumatic or overwhelming experiences, especially earlier in life
  • Personality traits, such as high sensitivity or perfectionism
  • Learned patterns of worry over time

Generalized anxiety disorder is not a personal failure or a lack of willpower. It reflects how the nervous system responds to stress and uncertainty, and it can be addressed with appropriate support.

How Long Does Generalized Anxiety Disorder Last?

Generalized anxiety disorder is often a long-term condition, but that does not mean it is permanent or unmanageable.

Without treatment, symptoms may persist or fluctuate over time. With therapy, many people experience a significant reduction in anxiety, improved coping skills, and a greater sense of control over their thoughts and reactions. Learning how to work with anxiety, rather than fighting it, can lead to lasting improvement in quality of life.

Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Seacoast New Hampshire

Generalized anxiety disorder is highly treatable. Therapy is considered a first-line treatment and can help individuals understand their anxiety, develop effective coping strategies, and reduce the impact of chronic worry on daily life.

At Insights Group, treatment for generalized anxiety disorder is individualized and collaborative. Therapy may include approaches such as:

  • Cognitive-behavioral strategies to address patterns of worry
  • Mindfulness-based and body-aware techniques to regulate the nervous system
  • Exploration of underlying emotional or relational factors contributing to anxiety
  • Skill-building for managing stress, uncertainty, and emotional overwhelm

We work with clients throughout the Seacoast NH area, including Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, Hampton, Rye, Durham, Newmarket, and nearby communities, to provide thoughtful, evidence-based care for anxiety.

When to Seek Professional Help for Anxiety

It may be helpful to seek professional support if anxiety:

  • Feels constant or overwhelming
  • Interferes with work, relationships, or daily functioning
  • Affects sleep, concentration, or physical health
  • Persists despite attempts to manage it on your own

Early support can prevent anxiety from becoming more entrenched and can help you develop tools that support long-term well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Generalized Anxiety Disorder

1What is generalized anxiety disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health condition involving ongoing, excessive worry about a variety of everyday concerns. The anxiety is difficult to control and is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as muscle tension, fatigue, or sleep problems. GAD goes beyond normal stress and can interfere with daily life.
2How is generalized anxiety disorder treated?
Generalized anxiety disorder is most commonly treated with therapy. Treatment often focuses on understanding patterns of worry, developing coping strategies, and learning skills to regulate emotional and physical responses to stress. In some cases, medication may be used in combination with therapy, depending on individual needs.
3Is generalized anxiety disorder serious?
Generalized anxiety disorder can be very distressing and may significantly impact quality of life if left untreated. While it is not dangerous in itself, chronic anxiety can affect physical health, relationships, and emotional well-being. Effective treatment can greatly reduce symptoms and improve functioning.
4How long does generalized anxiety disorder last?
The duration of generalized anxiety disorder varies from person to person. Some individuals experience symptoms for many years, while others see improvement more quickly with treatment. Therapy can help reduce symptoms and provide long-term tools for managing anxiety.
5Is generalized anxiety disorder permanent?
Generalized anxiety disorder is not considered permanent. Many people experience meaningful improvement with therapy and learn strategies that allow them to manage anxiety effectively over time. While stress may still arise, it often becomes more manageable.
6Can generalized anxiety disorder cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Generalized anxiety disorder can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues, muscle tension, chest tightness, and fatigue. These symptoms are common in anxiety disorders and are related to how the nervous system responds to chronic stress.
7When should I seek therapy for generalized anxiety disorder?
You may want to consider therapy if anxiety feels persistent, overwhelming, or difficult to manage on your own. Seeking support early can help prevent symptoms from worsening and can provide tools to support long-term emotional health.