Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Also known as GAD

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a specific type of anxiety disorder. Most people worry at times about their health, job, money, or family, but people with GAD experience anxiety about these things and more, in a way that is persistent, excessive, and intrusive.

Often, people with GAD struggle to relax and have trouble concentrating on tasks. They may experience physical symptoms including restlessness, sweating, difficulty swallowing, and using the restroom a lot.

According to mental health experts, nearly 3% of all U.S. adults have experienced GAD in the last year and it is estimated that up to 9% experience GAD at some point in their lives. Considering that anxiety is a common mental health condition, the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends that all adults under the age of 65 should be routinely screened for anxiety.

While symptoms of anxiety can be debilitating, with proper treatment—including medication and psychotherapy—people can learn to manage their symptoms and live a more productive life.

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  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Generalized anxiety disorder. Updated June 2, 2020.

  2. US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation StatementJAMA. 2023;329(23):2057–2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.9297

  3. National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety disorders. Updated July 2018.