Everyone feels anxiety now and then — and there can be good reasons why. But in people with GAD, the worry is often unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. Eventually, anxiety can even dominate a person’s thinking so much that they find it hard to do routine things at work or school, socially, and in their relationships. But there are treatments to ease anxiety so it’s not running your life.

About 2% of U.S. adults have generalized anxiety disorder in any given year. It’s more commonly reported in women than in men.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

GAD affects the way a person thinks, and it can lead to physical symptoms. Symptoms of GAD can include:

People with generalized anxiety disorder often also have other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, clinical depression, or problems with drug or alcohol misuse.

Causes and Risk Factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Experts don’t know the exact causes of generalized anxiety disorder. Several things — including genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental stresses — appear to contribute to its development.

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