Anxiety · October 30, 2026
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
By Kathie Bolles, PMHNP-BC
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition marked by excessive, hard-to-control worry that occurs more days than not for at least six months, often alongside physical symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tension, and trouble sleeping. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 2.7% of U.S. adults experienced GAD in the past year. It is treatable, most often with cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or both. Mynd Works Psychiatry in Austin, Texas, evaluates and treats anxiety in person and by telehealth.
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
GAD is a clinical condition, not simply a stressful week. According to the NIMH, people with GAD feel anxious and worried about a number of events or activities more days than not for at least six months, and they find the worry very hard to control.
The worry is often out of proportion to the situation and persists even when there is little to trigger it, which is one reason GAD is different from ordinary, time-limited stress.
What are the signs and symptoms of GAD?
In adults, the anxiety and worry are typically accompanied by three or more of these six symptoms, per the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 criteria: restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or the mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance.
The symptoms cause real distress or impair work, school, or relationships. Because these experiences overlap with depression, ADHD, and other conditions, a careful evaluation matters before any diagnosis is made.
How is GAD diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical interview, not a single test. The clinician reviews the pattern, duration, and impact of the worry, considers medical factors and substance use that could explain symptoms, and checks for co-occurring conditions such as depression, which commonly overlaps with GAD.
This is the same structured process used for any psychiatric evaluation at Mynd Works, and it happens in person in Austin or by secure telehealth.
How is GAD treated?
The NIMH notes that GAD is typically treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both, depending on the person's needs and medical situation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a research-supported first-line psychotherapy for GAD.
When medication is part of the plan, an SSRI or SNRI is usually the first-line choice. Benzodiazepines are not recommended as a first-line or long-term treatment because of their risks; they are reserved for short-term use in specific situations.
Can psychotherapy and medication be combined?
Yes, and combining them is common. Therapy helps with the thinking patterns and avoidance that keep worry going, while medication can reduce the intensity of symptoms that make daily life so difficult.
At Mynd Works, psychotherapy and psychiatric care are offered under one practice, so the two can be coordinated rather than managed in separate silos. You can read more about how psychotherapy and medication work together.
When should you seek an evaluation in Austin?
If worry has been persistent for months, feels impossible to switch off, and is affecting sleep, work, or relationships, an evaluation can clarify whether GAD is part of the picture and what would help. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis.
Mynd Works Psychiatry is located at 1301 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste A-138, Austin, TX 78746, and serves Austin and surrounding communities within approximately 50 miles. You can learn more on the anxiety care page, request a consultation, or call (512) 739-6566.
Common questions
Is generalized anxiety disorder the same as normal worrying?
No. Normal worry is time-limited and tied to a specific stressor. GAD involves excessive worry that is difficult to control, occurs more days than not for at least six months, and causes distress or impairment.
Can GAD go away on its own?
GAD is often persistent, and treatment is the reliable path to improvement. Psychotherapy, medication, or both can meaningfully reduce symptoms, and an evaluation helps determine what approach fits your situation.
Does Mynd Works treat generalized anxiety disorder in Austin?
Yes. Anxiety evaluation and treatment are part of the conditions Mynd Works supports, in person in Austin or by secure telehealth where clinically appropriate. Request a consultation or call (512) 739-6566.
