What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive and constant worry about several aspects of life. Individuals with GAD worry about many different concerns of life such as money, close relationships, or health. Even though their worries are normal, the difference is that they are unable to control the persistent concern and it goes on for months at a time. Although their worries are bothersome, they believe there is value in it by protecting their and others’ safety. These individuals also believe that their worrying helps them maintain high standards in job performance and school work. Many children, adolescents, and adults with this anxiety disorder are constantly seeking reassurance from friends and families which can make those close to them feel as though they are being badgered.

Generalized anxiety disorder affects roughly 3%- 5% of children, 1% of adolescents, and 3%-5% of adults in the general population, although only a small percentage of afflicted individuals seek treatment. Females are about twice as likely as males to experience generalized anxiety disorder.