Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by six
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 this disorder usually expect the
worst; they worry excessively about money, health, family, or
work, even when there are no signs of trouble. They are unable
to relax and often suffer from insomnia and an inability to
concentrate. Many people with GAD also have physical symptoms,
such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headaches,
irritability, or hot flashes. Approximately 6.8 million American
adults develop GAD during the course of a given year. It most
often strikes people in childhood or adolescence, but can begin
in adulthood, too. It affects women more often than men. Some
research suggests that GAD may run in families, and it may also
worsen during stressful times. Research shows that GAD often
coexists with depression , substance abuse , or other anxiety
disorders. Other conditions associ