Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD affects approximately 6.8 million adults and 7.1% of children aged 3-17 in the United States. It is characterized by persistent, excessive worry that is difficult to control.
What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but GAD involves chronic, exaggerated worry about everyday events and activities — even when there is little or no reason to worry. People with GAD often expect the worst and can't stop worrying about health, money, family, work, or school. The worry is often unrealistic or out of proportion to the situation.
In children and adolescents, GAD may present as excessive worry about school performance, social situations, family safety, punctuality, or catastrophic events. These children may seek constant reassurance and may appear perfectionistic or overly compliant.
Common Symptoms
Psychological Symptoms
- Persistent, excessive worry across multiple areas
- Difficulty controlling worry or "turning off" thoughts
- Feeling on edge or restless
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Physical Symptoms
- Muscle tension and body aches
- Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
- Fatigue and irritability
- Headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained pain
- Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
Our Approach to Treatment
Medication management for GAD typically involves SSRIs or SNRIs as first-line treatment, which have demonstrated strong evidence of effectiveness for anxiety disorders. Buspirone may also be considered as an alternative or adjunctive treatment. For acute anxiety, short-term use of other medications may be discussed when appropriate.
We take a careful, individualized approach — starting at low doses and gradually adjusting to find the optimal balance of symptom relief with minimal side effects. Treatment response is monitored closely, and we collaborate with therapists when combined treatment is appropriate.
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