Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Worrying is a normal part of life, such as worry before a job interview, worry over a sick loved one, worry about a school assignment or worry before giving a speech. However, when the worrying occurs for days on end or for more days than not, it is no longer considered normal. Some people find that they worry about a number of events—health (their own and/or others), safety (their own and/or others), job performance and/or security, money, relationships or world affairs—and that they also have difficulty controlling their worry. When this persistent worry is accompanied by anxiety, irritability, trouble focusing/concentrating, muscle tension, low energy or disturbed sleep, a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder may be warranted. Often, worriers have an intolerance of uncertainty, which they cope with by trying to reduce uncertainty. Attempts to reduce uncertainty can then contribute to increased worrying.