Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are the most common emotional disorder and affect more than 25 million Americans.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition in which a person is often worried or anxious about many things and finds it hard to control this anxiety.

Fear and anxiety are part of life, but GAD involves more than temporary worry or fear. For people with GAD, the anxiety does not go away and it gets worse over time. People may have chest pains or nightmares, or they may even be afraid to leave home. In many cases, GAD occurs along with other anxiety or mood disorders. GAD has symptoms that are similar to panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other types of anxiety, but they are all different conditions.

People with GAD have ongoing, severe tension that interferes with daily functioning. They worry constantly and feel helpless to control these worries. The worries often focus on job responsibilities, family health, or minor matters such as chores, car repairs, or appointments. They may have problems sleeping, muscle aches or tension, feel shaky and weak, and have headaches. People with GAD can be irritable and often have problems concentrating and working effectively.

In most cases, GAD improves with medications or talk therapy (psychotherapy). Making lifestyle changes, learning coping skills and using relaxation techniques also can help.

The exact cause of GAD is unknown, but areas of the brain that control fear responses may have a role in some anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders can run in families, which suggests that a combination of genes and environmental stresses can contribute to anxiety disorders, including GAD.

Talk with your doctor if worry is hard to control or interferes with daily life, work, or sleep. Call or text 988 if you have thoughts of harming yourself.