What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
By : Katherine Pica LCSW
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of life. If you find yourself constantly anticipating the worst, even when there’s no apparent reason, you may be experiencing GAD. Healthcare professionals diagnose GAD when this uncontrollable worrying occurs on most days for at least six months.
GAD often develops gradually, typically beginning in childhood or adolescence, though it can also emerge in adulthood. It’s more prevalent among individuals assigned as females at birth and tends to run in families. Common GAD-related worries include health, finances, family, and work-related concerns. While occasional worry is normal, GAD can significantly interfere with daily life and overall well-being.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) casts a wide net, affecting individuals across various age groups. While it often takes root in childhood or adolescence, GAD can emerge at any stage of life. Children may excessively worry about school performance or social situations, while adults might grapple with persistent concerns about work, finances, or health.
The onset of GAD typically occurs before age 30, but cases developing later in life are not uncommon. Research suggests that early detection and intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes, highlighting the importance of awareness across all age brackets.
What Causes GAD?
There is no single cause of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and we are still learning more and more about the causes of anxiety. Most believe it usually develops from several different factors working together. Because of that, it is not anyone’s fault.
Genes and family history matter. GAD often runs in families. Also there is belief that chemical signals in the brain are part of it too. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and norepinephrine can make anxiety harder to turn off. Your temperament matters as well. People who are naturally more sensitive to threat or who tend to worry a lot are at higher risk.
Life stress and trauma often trigger or worsen symptoms. Ongoing stress, big life changes, or past trauma can push someone toward chronic worry. Learned behavior matter as well. Growing up around high worry or low tolerance for uncertainty can train anxious thinking.
The good news is that effective treatments exist. Therapy and practical tools and skills can reduce symptoms. If worry is getting in the way of your life, we can help you!
How Is GAD Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare provider or mental health specialist. These professionals use specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to evaluate your symptoms. They’ll inquire about your anxiety’s duration, intensity, and impact on daily life. Additionally, they may conduct physical exams or order lab tests to rule out other medical conditions that could mimic GAD symptoms. Being open and honest during these evaluations is crucial to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Common Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
If you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), you likely experience persistent worry that’s disproportionate to actual circumstances. Despite recognizing your concerns as excessive, you may find it challenging to control these thoughts. While symptoms can vary between individuals, some common manifestations include:
Persistent feelings of dread or apprehension
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Physical symptoms like muscle tension, fatigue, or sleep disturbances
Irritability or mood swings
These symptoms often affect daily life, impacting work, relationships, and overall well-being. If you’re experiencing several of these signs consistently, consulting a mental health professional for proper evaluation and support may be beneficial.
What’s the Difference Between Generalized Anxiety and OCD?
Two of the most commonly confused conditions are Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While both involve anxiety and excessive worry, they are actually very different in how they show up and how they should be treated.
Knowing the difference between the two is more than just a clinical distinction. It has real implications for how someone finds relief, how they are supported at home or in school, and what kind of therapy will actually help. In this blog, we’ll walk through the key differences between GAD and OCD and explain how our team of OCD therapists at Resilience Counseling approaches treatment with compassion and clinical expertise.
How is OCD therapy Different?
While OCD also involves anxiety, it functions differently. OCD is defined by unwanted, intrusive thoughts called obsessions that often feel disturbing, or distressing. In response to these thoughts, a person feels an intense need to perform certain behaviors or mental acts called compulsions in order to reduce the anxiety or prevent something bad from happening.
Unlike the broad and often realistic worries seen in GAD, OCD thoughts tend to be more specific and often don't make logical sense. Common obsessions include fears about contamination, harm coming to a loved one, or needing things to be symmetrical or "just right." The person might then wash their hands repeatedly, check things over and over, count silently, or ask for reassurance many times a day. Even if they know the behavior is irrational, it feels impossible to stop.
The compulsions provide temporary relief, but they actually make OCD stronger over time. Without treatment, the cycle tends to grow more disruptive, time consuming, and emotionally draining.
What are the Differences in Treatment Approaches for OCD and GAD?
Both GAD and OCD respond well to therapy, but the treatment approaches are different and need to be tailored appropriately.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is typically treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals understand their anxious thought patterns, challenge distorted beliefs, and develop healthier coping skills. It’s especially helpful in reducing the constant worry and tension that come with GAD.
OCD requires a more specific approach called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP involves gradually and safely helping the individual face their fears without engaging in compulsions. Over time, this reduces the power of the intrusive thoughts and allows the brain to learn that the feared outcomes don’t happen, even without the rituals. ERP is considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD and has a strong evidence base for children, teens, and adults.
Why the Right Diagnosis Matters for OCD and GAD
It’s very common for OCD to be misdiagnosed as generalized anxiety, especially when compulsions are mostly internal or subtle. For example, a child who constantly asks if they’re a "bad person" or worries about harming others might be seen as overly anxious or sensitive, when in fact they’re struggling with intrusive OCD thoughts. Mislabeling OCD as general anxiety can delay access to effective treatment, which is why working with a therapist who understands the nuances is so important.
How can Resilience Counseling Help for OCD Therapy?
At Resilience Counseling, we specialize in treating GAD and OCD across the lifespan, with particular expertise in children, teens, and young adults. Our OCD therapists are extensively trained in both CBT and ERP and have a deep understanding of how these conditions uniquely impact development, identity, family life, and everyday functioning.
When you work with our team, we don’t just treat symptoms, we take the time to understand your story. We offer thorough assessments to identify whether you or your child is experiencing generalized anxiety, OCD, or both. When working with kids we work collaboratively with families to create a customized treatment plan. We also spend time educating and supporting parents, because we know that helping a child manage GAD or OCD doesn’t stop when the session ends.
OCD therapists who specialize in OCD treatment San Diego, CA
Many families come to us feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start. That’s okay. Our goal is to meet you where you are and walk with you through the process. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or has been struggling for years, we’re here to help them—and you—regain a sense of calm, confidence, and control.
Our highly trained team of OCD therapists are here to help. We offer a free 15-minute consultation call to help you get started and learn more about our approach. You don’t have to figure this out alone. The right support can make all the difference. By seeking professional help and implementing effective coping strategies, you can manage your anxiety and improve your overall well-being. We can help you manage your symptoms and live a more fulfilling life. Contact us today!
Author Bio: Katherine Pica OCD Therapist - San Diego, CA
Katherine Pica is the owner and clinical director of Resilience Counseling. She supervises all the therapists at Resilience Counseling. She has been practicing since 2007 for over 18 years! Trained in ERP for OCD and EMDR for Trauma. Katherine brings years of experience to her team! Available in San Diego, CA for session in person and all over California for virtual therapy. Contact us today!
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Disclaimer : The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional and or medical advice, diagnosis, and or treatment. It is important to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health and/or medical condition. Never disregard any professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Resilience Counseling website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately.
