What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder
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- What It Is
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder Definition
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes chronic, exaggerated worrying and anxiety about everyday life. Everyone worries at times, but people with GAD can never relax and usually anticipate the worst. The intensity and pervasiveness of their worry interferes with normal functioning at school, at work, and in their relationships. The worrying is often not related to anything in particular. Instead, each day provokes tension and anxiety.
People with GAD often worry excessively about health, family, work, or money. The worry is so severe that it interferes with their ability to live their lives. The anxiety can also progress to the point where people "worry about worrying." GAD usually starts in childhood or adolescence, but it can also start in early adulthood. It is not unusual for GAD to start after age 20.
