Overview
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that causes fear, worry and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It’s characterized by excessive, frequent and unrealistic worry about everyday things, such as job responsibilities, health or chores. It can affect children and adults.
GAD is one of several anxiety disorders.
Most people with GAD have one or more other psychiatric conditions, including:
- Major depression.
- Specific phobia.
- Social anxiety disorder.
- Panic disorder.
Who does generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affect?
Generalized anxiety disorder can affect children and adults. The condition often begins in childhood or adolescence but may begin at any age.
Women and people assigned female at birth are twice as likely to be affected by GAD as men and people assigned male at birth.
How common is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Generalized anxiety disorder is common. It affects about 3% of the adult population.
Childhood anxiety occurs in about 1 in 4 children at some time between the ages of 13 years and 18 years. However, the lifetime prevalence of a severe anxiety disorder in children ages 13 to 18 is approximately 6%.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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