Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a relatively common anxiety disorder that affects 3 to 4% of the U.S. population. It is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry, anxiety, and fear about a number of things, such as:

• Minor matters
• Finances
• Work or school
• Health
• Safety of loved ones
• Community or world affairs

With GAD, the worry interferes with daily functioning. While worry is a normal process for most people, individuals with GAD worry about things when most people would say there is no reason to worry, such as worrying frequently about finances despite having plenty of money in savings.

GAD is often accompanied by bothersome physical symptoms such as muscle tension, sleep and concentration difficulties, and restlessness. This excessive worry is present almost daily for at least 6 months, and is intense and frequent. GAD may also occur together with other anxiety disorders, depression or with substance abuse.

Treatment

GAD is a fully treatable condition. Treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are considered to be the most effective treatments for GAD. If you believe that you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder or any other problem with anxiety, and you want help with these difficulties, please contact the Anxiety Disorder Clinic at 713-743-8609 to schedule an assessment.