Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a psychiatric condition that brings on excessive, unrealistic worry and tension, even if there is little or nothing to provoke the anxiety. Someone who suffers from GAD finds it extremely difficult to stop worrying and might obsess over things like family, money, health and even things they have no control over. Often times, just the thought of trying to make it through the day can bring about anxiety. GAD symptoms can vary in intensity, sometimes just being barely noticeable to more extreme to the point where it interferes with daily functioning. Physical symptoms can include headache, shakiness, shortness of breath, frequent need to urinate, sweating or chills.

GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, in any given year. The mean age of onset of anxiety disorders is a strikingly young age of 11 years old, although GAD can occur at any age. The condition affects twice as many women as men.

The exact cause of GAD is not known, but a number of factors appear to contribute to its development including brain chemistry (neurotransmitters are out of balance), genetics and environment (trauma and stressful events such as abuse, the death of a loved one, divorce, changing jobs or schools).

Anxiety is highly treatable (up to 90% of cases), but only one-third of those who suffer from it receive treatment.