Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by frequent, exaggerated worry about a variety of life events, involving a tendency to “think the worst” when there is little reason to believe the worst will occur. The worry often concerns health, money, family, or work. However, in some cases, the content of the worry is vague, and the person worries about simply getting through the day. Typical GAD thoughts start with “What if . . . ” and “If only . . .” Moreover, the worries are hard to control.

The worry experienced in GAD may be accompanied by physical changes such as fatigue, irritability, restlessness, difficulties concentrating, or sleep disturbance.