Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life—work, health, family, money, or everyday matters—that is out of proportion to the actual likelihood or impact of the anticipated events. Unlike normal worry that comes and goes, GAD is: - **Chronic**: Lasting 6 months or more - **Pervasive**: Affecting multiple areas of life - **Difficult to control**: Even when you recognize the worry is excessive - **Physically exhausting**: Causing fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep problems People with GAD often describe feeling "on edge" constantly, as if waiting for something bad to happen. The worry shifts from one concern to another and can make it difficult to concentrate, relax, or enjoy life. **Key distinction from normal worry:** Normal worry is usually tied to specific situations and resolves when the situation passes. GAD worry is free-floating, excessive, and persistent regardless of circumstances.

GAD develops from a complex interaction of factors: **Biological factors:** - Imbalances in neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA) - Overactive amygdala (brain's fear center) - Genetic predisposition (runs in families) - Differences in brain structure and function **Psychological factors:** - Tendency toward negative thinking patterns - Intolerance of uncertainty - Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes - History of trauma or adverse childhood experiences - Learned behavior from anxious parents **Environmental triggers:** - Chronic stress (work, relationships, financial) - Major life changes or transitions - Traumatic events - Substance use or withdrawal - Certain medications or medical conditions The "worry cycle" perpetuates GAD: worry leads to physical symptoms, which create more worry, reinforcing the anxiety pattern.