Everyone worries sometimes. With generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), worry shows up more often and more intensely than a situation calls for, and it can be hard to set aside, even when you know it’s out of proportion. Over time, that steady sense of dread can wear down sleep, focus, relationships and everyday life.
At The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greenwich, anxiety and related disorders are our specialty, and GAD is one of the conditions we treat in children, teens and adults. If worry has started to take up more room than you’d like, you don’t have to manage it alone. You can also read about other signs and types of anxiety on our Understanding Anxiety page.
GAD can look different from one person to the next, and symptoms often rise and fall. They tend to feel worse during stressful stretches, such as exams, an illness or conflict at home. Signs to watch for include:
Frequent worry about everyday things such as health, school, work, family or the future, along with difficulty letting those worries go or feeling reassured.
Irritability, restlessness or trouble relaxing, and a nervous, keyed-up feeling that can be hard to explain to others.
Difficulty concentrating, trouble falling or staying asleep, and feeling tired or worn out more often than usual.
Headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tension, and sometimes trembling, sweating, or feeling lightheaded or short of breath.
In young people, worries often center on school, activities, friendships and the future. Some children and teens try to manage anxiety by striving for perfection, which can leave them feeling that their best effort is never quite enough. Others may seek reassurance again and again, or complain of headaches and stomachaches before school.
Because we care for children, adolescents and adults, we can help families notice these patterns early. For children and teens, we often work closely with parents so that new skills are supported at home, too.
Research shows that GAD is treatable. It is generally treated with psychotherapy, medication or both, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely considered a gold-standard approach. CBT helps people notice worried thinking patterns and practice new ways of responding to them.
As a specialized practice for anxiety therapy in Greenwich, CT, we take a personalized, evidence-based approach. CBT is at the center of our anxiety care, and when appropriate, care may also include parent guidance and careful, collaborative medication support. Every plan is shaped around the individual’s age, symptoms and goals. Learn more about our treatment and therapy options.
Reaching out is often the hardest step. Here’s what happens next.
Your treatment plan is designed around your age, symptoms and goals.
Occasional worry is a normal part of life. GAD is different: the worry happens more often or more intensely, is hard to control and begins to interfere with daily life. For a diagnosis, difficult-to-control worry is typically present on most days for at least six months, along with other symptoms. A clinician can help you sort out what’s going on.
Yes. GAD is generally treated with psychotherapy, medication or both, and CBT is widely considered a gold-standard approach. With the right treatment and support, people with GAD can learn to manage their anxiety and improve their quality of life.
Yes. We provide specialized care for children, adolescents and adults, and for younger clients we often work closely with parents.
GAD centers on ongoing worry about many everyday things. Panic disorder involves sudden, intense episodes of fear called panic attacks, along with worry about having more of them. Some people experience both. You can read more on our panic disorder page.
We don’t bill insurance directly, but we encourage you to explore your out-of-network benefits. Our services are generally reimbursed by health savings accounts.
If worry is taking up more of your day than you’d like, we’re here to help you take the next step. Call our office at (203) 769-1365 or reach out through our contact page.
We provide expert diagnosis and evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders in children, adolescents, and adults—helping individuals and families move forward with clarity and confidence.
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