Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worries and tension, even when there is little or no reason for it.

Individuals with GAD can't seem to shake off their concerns. Their worries and fears are accompanied by physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, muscle tension and muscle aches. Difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, and hot flashes can be common as well.

Researchers do not know the exact cause of GAD. It is believed to be a combination of a number of factors like genetics, brain chemistry and environmental stresses.

Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose GAD, physicians may use various tests to look for physical illness as the cause of the symptoms.

Fortunately, effective treatment for GAD is available, therapy and self-help strategies can also assist most people with GAD to be productive and help manage symptoms.

Common medications that might be used in the treatment of GAD include Xanax, Librium, Valium , Ativan, BuSpar, Paxil and Effexor.

I went through my days smiling on the outside, crying on the inside. People surrounded me yet I felt completely isolated. I slept very little, ate very little, and thought very little about anything other than how pathetic I was. Though a small part of me understood the anxiety I was feeling, the other part of me thought I was crazy. In fact I was sure of only one thing: I was alone in my condition. It wasn’t long before I discovered how wrong I was.—GAD Sufferer

Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.— Arthur Somers Roche

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, please consult your doctor.