Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about a variety of topics, events, or activities. People with GAD often anticipate disaster and struggle to control their anxiety, even when there is little or no apparent reason for concern. This constant state of worry can be chronic, lasting for months or even years, and can significantly impair a person’s daily functioning.

Individuals with GAD may find themselves worrying excessively about health, work, family, finances, or social interactions. These worries are often disproportionate to the actual events or situations they focus on, and the anxiety can be overwhelming and persistent. In addition to excessive worry, common symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances such as insomnia or restless sleep.

The intensity and persistence of anxiety in GAD can interfere with personal relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. People with GAD may feel on edge most of the time and may become easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks. The worry often leads to physical symptoms, including tension headaches, stomachaches, and other stress-related health problems.

GAD is one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting approximately 3% of the global population at any given time. It often begins in childhood or adolescence, though it can develop in adulthood as well. Women are more likely than men to develop GAD, with the disorder being most prevalent among individuals between the ages of 30 and 44.

While the exact cause of GAD is not fully understood, a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors is believed to contribute to its development. The disorder can also co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as depression or other anxiety disorders.