What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Also abbreviated as GAD, General Anxiety Disorder affects the lives of about 3% of the population. While some mild anxiety on a day-to-day basis is normal, GAD is characterized by extreme worry and stress that lasts for months at a time.  These long episodes can result in symptoms such as restlessness, lack of sleep, fatigue, irritability, constant fear or worry, loss of appetite, inability to focus and muscle tension.

GAD does not often occur alone.  Patients with the condition are more likely to suffer from others such as depression or substance abuse at the same time.