GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDERS

GAD is characterized by excessive, unrealistic worry that lasts six months or more; in adults, the anxiety may focus on issues such as health, money, or career. In addition to chronic worry, GAD symptoms include trembling, muscular aches, insomnia, abdominal upsets, dizziness, and irritability. The symptoms are severe enough to impair work, social and family life.

Individuals with GAD tend to be chronically anxious, but their tension can escalate to intolerable levels under stress or perceived threat to safety.