Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Long Beach

Also known as: GAD

A cozy reading corner with a bookshelf, a soft armchair, and a floor lamp by a window.

Key takeaways

GAD is ongoing, hard-to-control worry that lasts for months, and it is treatable.
It often brings restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep trouble.
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management help most people feel steadier.
Seek help if worry is constant or affects sleep, work, or relationships.

What GAD feels like

Generalized anxiety disorder is ongoing, excessive worry that is hard to switch off, often about health, work, money, or family. The worry tends to last for months and can bring physical signs like muscle tension, restlessness, and tiredness. It is a recognized medical condition, not a personal flaw.

How psychiatric care helps

A psychiatric evaluation clarifies what is driving the worry and rules out other causes. Medication management can meaningfully ease symptoms over time, and we can coordinate therapy referrals when added support would help you feel more in control.

Sources: NIMH: Anxiety Disorders, Mayo Clinic: Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Signs & symptoms

Worry that is hard to control most days
Restlessness or feeling keyed up
Muscle tension or frequent fatigue
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Irritability or feeling on edge

Causes & risk factors

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders and can develop at any age, often gradually.

Causes

A mix of genetic, biological, and environmental factors
Differences in how the brain regulates worry and fear
Ongoing stress or difficult life experiences

Risk factors

Family history of anxiety or depression
Long-term stress or trauma
Chronic medical illness
A naturally cautious or sensitive temperament

Possible complications

Poor sleep and ongoing fatigue
Depression or other anxiety conditions
Difficulty at work, school, or in relationships

How it's diagnosed

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
Validated screening tools (e.g., GAD-7)
Medical work-up to rule out other causes

Treatment options

Service	What it's for
Medication Management	Careful selection, monitoring, and adjustment of psychiatric medications to maximize benefit and minimize side effects.
Psychiatric Evaluation	A thorough first assessment to understand your history and symptoms and build an accurate diagnosis and plan.

Visiting our office

Worry tends to fill the days before an appointment, so settle the details early. Find out on a call with our team whether new patients with generalized anxiety are being seen now and how a first visit would be held, and that is one less thing to think about.

Our office: 3646 Long Beach Blvd # 205, Long Beach, CA 90807
Hours: Mon–Fri · 8 AM–6 PM (Pacific)
Phone: (818) 286-3862

Directions and more about our office are on the Psychiatrist in Long Beach page.

Prevention

Early treatment of symptoms
Stress management and regular routines
Ongoing follow-up and support

When to seek help

If symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life, a psychiatric evaluation can help. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now. It is free and open 24/7. In an emergency, call 911.

Frequently asked questions

How is GAD different from everyday worry?

Everyday worry comes and goes. GAD is worry that lasts for months, feels hard to control, and gets in the way of sleep, focus, or daily life.

Can GAD be treated without therapy?

Yes. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management can ease GAD on their own, and we can coordinate therapy referrals when that would add helpful support.

When should I reach out for help?

If worry is constant, hard to control, or affects your sleep, work, or relationships, a psychiatric evaluation is a good next step.

Providers who treat this

Irine Achuamang, MSN, PMHNP-BC

We see patients in person at our Long Beach office. Telehealth available across California, with new locations coming to Northern California. See every area we serve.

Coming from a nearby area?

Every in-person visit is at our one office in Long Beach.

Sources

Anxiety Disorders, NIMH

Medically reviewed by Irine Achuamang, MSN, PMHNP-BC. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional care. In crisis? Call or text 988.

View as Markdown ↗