Anxiety

Anxiety Overview

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their worry. 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. GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population. 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 to moderate or with treatment, people with GAD can function socially, have full and meaningful lives, and be gainfully employed. Many with GAD avoid situations because they have the disorder or they may not take advantage of opportunities due to their worry (social situations, travel, promotions, etc).