Patient Education Information Sheet

North Florida/South Georgia

Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS)

Psychology Service

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

What is GAD?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is a long-term, constant, and at times disabling condition. Symptoms can include:

  • Constant worrying about all kinds of matters
  • Worry that lasts for long periods of time (over 6 months)
  • Problems handling and dealing with worries
  • Irritable feelings
  • Tired feelings most of the time
  • Tense muscles
  • Problems sleeping
  • Restlessness
  • Dizziness, upset stomach, trembling
  • Problems thinking and focusing

GAD can affect one’s job, social life, and day-to-day living.

About 4 million adults in the US have GAD. The disorder comes on slowly. It may start during youth, middle age, or old age. It is most likely to start during childhood and middle age. Because GAD can start at any time in our lives, it can be hard to diagnose and treat.

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Some degree of anxiety is a normal part of living. However, when anxiety is overwhelming and out of control, it is important to think about what factors in your life are the cause of so much stress.

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What causes GAD?

We do not know what causes GAD. We do know that:

  • GAD tends to run in families (genetics).
  • GAD can be “learned” from family members (learned response).
  • Too much stress may trigger GAD.
  • Certain personality types may tend to have GAD.
  • Some medical conditions, like an overactive thyroid, can increase anxiety.
  • Sickness can cause anxiety. Long-term illnesses can be very stressful.

How is GAD treated?

There are two helpful ways to treat GAD: medication and psychotherapy. In many cases, the best treatment is a combination of the two.

  • Medication can help ease many of GAD’s symptoms. The kinds of medications used to treat GAD include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers.
  • Psychotherapy involves talking with a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor. These professionals can help individuals manage issues like GAD. In general, therapy focuses on changing the beliefs and behaviors that tend to create anxiety. Psychotherapy can take place in either individual or group sessions.

“GAD-a-Life!”

Struggling with GAD? You can do something about it! To improve your quality of living:

  • Speak-Up and Reach Out
    Join a self-help or educational group. This group will help you share your feelings, experiences, and accomplishments with others. You can also reach out to trusted family, friends, and clergy to talk about your struggles. One-on-one counseling can also provide needed relief and a way to learn new skills.
  • De-stress
    Practice stress management. Deep breathing can help. Take your medications. Exercise can also lessen stress. Be creative: keep a journal, draw, play the piano, garden, and cook. Take time to enjoy life. Laugh. Learn new things.
  • Watch It
    Decrease or stop using products that make anxiety worse. Caffeine and over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications are two examples. Don’t use illegal drugs. Always be aware of thoughts that might worsen anxiety. Replace negative thoughts with ones that will help you cope. For example, “I’m going to be all right. I can be anxious and still focus on the task at hand. Anxiety is not dangerous, it’s just uncomfortable.”

Your Primary Care Clinic at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center offers many health care services. If you would like to learn more about GAD and other similar conditions, please ask your primary care provider to enter a consult to the Psychology, Primary Care Behavioral Health Team.

Contact :

Lake City VA Medical Center

619 South Marion Avenue

Lake City, Florida 32035

(386) 755-3016, extension 2364; Toll-free (800) 308-8387

The Lake City PCT is on the first floor of the Lake City VA Medical Center. The check-in desk and waiting room are located in Room 119 in Building 38. The clinic is on the northwest side of the Medical Center, close to the Police Service.

Gainesville VA Medical Center

1601 Southwest Archer Road

Gainesville, Florida 32608

(352) 376-1611, extension 6127; Toll-free (800) 324-8387

The Gainesville PCT is on the second floor of the Gainesville VA Medical Center. The check-in desk is in Room E266, and the waiting room is in the Mental Health Clinic in Room E208.

LOCAL OUTPATIENT CLINICS AND MEDICAL CENTER PHONE NUMBERS

GAINESVILLE 1-(800) 988-5641, After Hours 1-877-741-3400

LAKE CITY 1-(800) 988-5641, After Hours 1-877-741-3400

JACKSONVILLE (904) 475-5800 Ext 6316,

LECANTO (352) 746-8067

MARIANNA (850) 718-5620

OCALA (352) 547-1583

PALATKA (386) 329-8800

ST AUGUSTINE (904) 829-0814 or 1-(866) 401-8387

ST MARY (912) 510-3420 Press #4

TALLAHASSEE (850) 521-5780 Ext 1200

VALDOSTA, GA (229) 293-0132 or 1-(877) 303-8387

THE VILLAGES (352) 674-5166

WAYCROSS, GA (912) 279-4400

County Crisis Center Numbers:

Alachua: 352-264-6789

Citrus: 352-726-7155

Marion: 352-629-9595

*Lake: 352-483-2800, *1pm-10pm ONLY

Visit your NF/SGVHS Internet site at: