Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least six months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance). A person diagnosed with GAD will exhibit at least three of the following symptoms:

1. Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
2. Being easily fatigued
3. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
4. Irritability
5. Muscle tension
6. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep)

The focus of the anxiety or worry is not confined to a specific area but is generalized and constant. Nor is the anxiety the result of drug abuse or a general medical condition. The anxiety, worry or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. The lifetime prevalence is approximately 4 to 6 percent in the general population and is more common in women than in men. It is often chronic, and patients with this disorder are more likely to be seen by family physicians than by psychiatrists.