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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2024 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved Conditions A-Z Anxiety Generalized Anxiety Disorder Also known as GAD Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Living With Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more . by Steven Gans, MD Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Updated on January 08, 2021 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a specific type of anxiety disorder. Most people worry at times about their health, job, money, or family, but people with GAD experience anxiety about these things and more, in a way that is persistent, excessive, and intrusive. Often, people with GAD struggle to relax and have trouble concentrating on tasks. They may experience physical symptoms including restlessness, sweating, difficulty swallowing, and using the restroom a lot. According to mental health experts, nearly 3% of all U.S. adults have experienced GAD in the last year and it is estimated that up to 9% experience GAD at some point in their lives. Considering that anxiety is a common mental health condition, the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends that all adults under the age of 65 should be routinely screened for anxiety. While symptoms of anxiety can be debilitating, with proper treatment—including medication and psychotherapy—people can learn to manage their symptoms and live a more productive life. Recognizing Generalized Anxiety Disorder What High-Functioning Anxiety Feels Like Adjustment Disorder: When We Struggle to Adapt to Change Existential Crisis: What It Is and How to Cope Are You Anxious, Depressed, or Both? Key Terms Mental Disorder Anxiety Disorder Psychotherapy Phobia Mental Disorder Often used interchangeably with psychological disorder, mental illness, and psychiatric disorder, a mental disorder is the official term used in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) DSM-5 manual. The APA indicates that a mental disorder is a noticeable disturbance in a person’s emotions, behaviors, or thinking patterns that impacts their quality of life. What Is a Psychological Disorder? Anxiety Disorder An anxiety disorder is a serious mental health issue that causes a person to feel excessive fear, anxiety, or worry along with other related symptoms and behaviors.   Because these fears will generally not go away on their own, they may get worse over time and can interfere with daily activities without treatment. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a process used to treat a variety of mental health issues and emotional difficulties. Through different techniques and methods, a psychotherapist will help a client address psychological and life issues. While there are many approaches to psychotherapy, the overall goal is to help clients decrease symptoms and improve their functioning and well-being. How Psychotherapy Is Used Phobia A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that involves a persistent, excessive, and irrational fear of something like a situation, activity, object, person, or animal. Typically, people with phobias try to avoid the source of their fear; or if they cannot avoid the situation, they endure it with intense fear or anxiety. What Is a Phobia? 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