Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about a number of life issues or day to day concerns that occurs more days than not for at least six months. People with GAD find it difficult to control their worry, and this inability to stop worrying or to relax, even in the absence of major life stresses, is one of the cardinal features of the disorder.

Individuals with GAD also often experience a number of associated symptoms such as: restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance.

The anxiety and worry is considered a disorder if it is severe enough to cause an individual significant distress or interferes with social or occupational functioning . Adults with GAD often worry excessively about everyday, routine life circumstances such as possible job responsibilities, finances, or the health of family members. A number of effective treatments are available for GAD, such as anti-anxiety medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy (reduces worry through changes in thinking and behavior patterns).

Please explore our site to find out more about participating in a treatment study for GAD at the Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

If you are interested in participating in a treatment study, please call 1-866-44-WORRY for our confidential phone line or email us at anxietystudy@partners.org.

Links for Generalized Anxiety