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Patients who find themselves unable to control their anxiety should consult a physician, especially if excessive worry interferes with their ability to engage in their usual activities. Before generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can be diagnosed, a physician will perform a complete physical examination and compile a thorough medical history. The physician will also attempt to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing symptoms, such as excessive thyroid production (which can be measured through a blood test), and the presence of substances in the blood or urine (e.g., recreational drugs, prescription medication). 

In addition, other mental disorders must be ruled out before a diagnosis of GAD can be made. If a non-psychiatric physician suspects that GAD is present, the patient will be referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.

GAD can be difficult to diagnose because it is not characterized by dramatic symptoms, such as panic attacks (sudden, brief episodes of fear and anxiety), that are associated with other anxiety disorders. GAD is diagnosed when patients experience at least six months of chronic, exaggerated worry or tension about a number of different events or activities. The worry must be disproportionate to what would be expected given the circumstances. During this six-month time period, anxiety must be present on more days than it is not. In addition, patients are likely to have levels of worry that are much more severe than the normal levels of anxiety experienced by most people.

Patients with GAD also typically exhibit at least three of the following six symptoms (children may exhibit only one):

• Restlessness, or a feeling of being on edge
• Becomes fatigued easily
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances