| Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is both a | | | | basis that about 4 million adult Americans suffer |
| psychological as well as a chemical ailment in which | | | | from GAD. Though it can begin in adulthood, it has |
| the sufferer experiences great trepidation | | | | been seen to begin in childhood or adolescence |
| towards being in groups of people. Generalized | | | | most frequently. Women suffer more than in |
| anxiety disorder or GAD is only an extension of | | | | men.A number of factors are said to be |
| the fear or group of fears experienced by most | | | | responsible for GAD, although the exact cause is |
| people. GAD fears are overwhelming and very | | | | yet to be ascertained. The factors that have |
| consuming, and stem from an untoward, | | | | been proposed as the triggers are genetics, brain |
| irrelevant response to a stressful situation. Typical | | | | chemistry and environmental stresses. Research |
| characteristics of GAD are an anxiety that is | | | | has suggested that genetics can be one major |
| exaggerated by expectations of impending | | | | factor that passes GAD on from one generation |
| disasters and incessant worries about family, | | | | to another. Brain chemistry is another reason. |
| work, health, or money. This behavior makes daily | | | | GAD people have been observed as having |
| life and activities hard to tolerate. At certain | | | | depleted levels of neurotransmitters, in the brain. |
| points, this anxiety is so overwhelming that it | | | | Furthermore, it is noted that GADS gets worse |
| takes over a personality, and a person becomes | | | | during acute phases of stress. People who are |
| immobilized with fear.It is estimated on a yearly | | | | happy are less likely to suffer from GAD. |