This informational handout provides a client-friendly overview of worry and when it becomes problematic.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
Worrying is a form of thinking about the future, defined as thinking about future events in a way that leaves you feeling anxious or apprehensive. Clinically, excessive worry is the primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The What Is Worry? information handout succinctly describes worry. It defines worry, draws a distinction between ‘real event’ and ‘hypothetical event’ worry, and describes a continuum of ‘normal’ to ‘excessive’ worry.
This resource is designed to support clients by:
Designed to help clients affected by GAD.
Discuss why and how people worry.
Examine the different types of worry people experience.
Explore how content and process of the client's worry.
Worry has been defined as thinking about future events in a way that leaves individuals feeling anxious or apprehensive. Clinically, excessive worry is the primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Evidence seems to indicate that the content of worry in people with GAD concerns similar topics to ‘everyday’ worry, but that it is often concerned with more unlikely or remote events. The terms ‘hypothetical worry’ and ‘real event worry’ are often used to describe this distinction. Other important differences are that people with GAD often experience their worries as uncontrollable, and will worry habitually instead of in response to particular triggers.
The What Is Worry? information handout succinctly describes worry. It defines worry, draws a distinction between ‘real event’ and ‘hypothetical event’ worry, and describes a continuum of ‘normal’ to ‘excessive’ worry. It also briefly describes the Laval perspective of generalized anxiety disorder in which intolerance of uncertainty is viewed as a prominent feature. It is helpful as both as a client handout and as a therapist primer.
