Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
is characterized by 6 months or more of chronic, exaggerated worry and
tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety
most people experience. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually
expect the worst; they worry excessively about money, health, family, or
work, even when there are no signs of trouble. Sometimes you may not be
worried about anything special, but feel tense and worried all day long.
GAD is also accompanied by aches, pains and feelings of being tired.
Individuals with Generalized Anxiety
Disorder are unable to relax and may suffer from insomnia. Everyone gets
worried sometimes, but if you have GAD, you stay worried, fear the worst
will happen, and cannot relax. Research shows that GAD often coexists
with depression, substance abuse, or other anxiety disorders.
About 2.8% of the adult U.S. population
ages 18 to 54, approximately 4 million Americans, have GAD during the
course of a given year. GAD most often strikes people in childhood or
adolescence, but can begin in adulthood, too. Recent statistics indicate
that it affects women more often than men.
Doctors, therapists and psychologists all
agree that general anxiety disorder is a real illness that needs to be
treated. Over 80% of people who seek treatment for anxiety related
disorders such as GAD actually find help! You Can Too!
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