Anxiety

Feeling anxious sometimes is perfectly normal but, for people with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), feelings of anxiety are much more constant and tend to affect their day-to-day life.

There are several conditions for which anxiety is the main symptom. Panic disorder, phobias, and post-traumatic syndrome can all cause severe anxiety.

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

is a long-term condition that makes people feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event.

People with GAD feel anxious most days and often struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed. GAD affects about one in 50 people at some stage in their life and can cause both psychological and physical symptoms.

Slightly more women are affected than men, and the disorder is most common among people in their 20s. GAD can significantly affect daily life, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

For more information on anxiety, please visit: 

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anxiety/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

This text gives an overview into the conditions an IAPT service will treat.  It has been prepared here for you to use as you see fit in your locally produced materials.

All material has been taken from NHS Choices and is therefore nationally approved at the time of this toolkit’s publication.  More in depth and up to date information can be found online at NHS Choices www.nhs.uk

The Information Prescription Service available on NHS Choices is an excellent service covering the many different aspects of depression and anxiety disorders.

NHS Choices online: www.nhs.uk