Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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%.