Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things.
People with the disorder, which is also referred to as GAD,
experience excessive anxiety and worry, often expecting the worst even
when there is no apparent reason for concern. They anticipate disaster
and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other
issues. GAD is diagnosed when a person finds it difficult to control
worry on more days than not for at least six months and has three or
more symptoms.
Sometimes just the thought of getting through the day produces
anxiety. They don’t know how to stop the worry cycle and feel it is
beyond their control, even though they usually realize that their
anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants.
GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, in any given year. Women are twice as likely to be affected.
The disorder comes on gradually and can begin across the life cycle,
though the risk is highest between childhood and middle age. Although
the exact cause of GAD is unknown, there is evidence that biological
factors, family background, and life experiences, particularly stressful
ones, play a role.
When their anxiety level is mild, people with GAD can function
socially and be gainfully employed. Although they may avoid some
situations because they have the disorder, some people can have
difficulty carrying out the simplest daily activities when their anxiety
is severe.
