Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Generalised anxiety disorder

With generalised anxiety disorder, you worry excessively about different areas of life on many days and find it hard to stop worrying. Anxiety often comes with restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue and problems concentrating and sleeping. It is not a weakness of character: treatment, including cognitive behavioural therapy and sometimes medicines, can help considerably.

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  • With generalised anxiety disorder, worries are excessive, hard to control and present on many days. They usually concern several areas of life.
  • The disorder affects the body, thoughts, behaviour and sleep. Continuing to function does not mean someone's symptoms are mild.
  • The symptoms are treatable. Information, cognitive behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines may be used separately or together.
  • Alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, a lot of caffeine and stimulants may temporarily change how you feel but worsen anxiety and sleep over time.
  • An acute suicidal crisis or dangerous mental health crisis is an emergency. Do not leave the person alone, and call Ambulance 912 for immediate danger to life.

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Further reading

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Panic disorderIn panic disorder, unexpected panic attacks recur and the person remains afraid of further attacks or their consequences. Treatment with cognitive behavioural therapy and sometimes medicines often helps.
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