Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a disorder that
manifests excessive anxiety and worry that occurs more days than not for six months or longer, about a number of concerns
such as family, work or school. The individual experiencing GAD finds it difficult to control their worry.
In addition, the individual experiences three or more of the following symptoms:
* restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
* easily fatigued
* difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
* irritability
* muscle tension
* sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep)
The anxiety, worry or physical symptoms cause significant distress or impairment
in social, occupation or other important areas of ones life.
Adapted from: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV,
American Psychiatric Association, 1994.
