Although some studies have reported that GAD runs in families, others have not found this connection. It's the thinking, dwelling, ruminating, and inability to shut the mind off that so incapacitates the person. At other times, thoughts seem almost non-existent because the anxious feelings are so dominant. Feelings of worry, dread, lack of energy, and a loss of interest in life are common. Nevertheless, the feelings are very real.
Normal life stresses aggravate generalized anxiety.
The person who typically performs well at work and receives a sense of accomplishment from it, all of a sudden finds that work has become drudgery. If work is perceived as a negative environment, and the person no longer feels fulfilled, then considerable worry takes place over these situations. As a result, the anticipatory anxiety about going to work can become quite strong. GAD can be treated with drug therapy, counseling, or both. Many patients have demonstrated improvement with counseling techniques such as behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy.