It is normal for people to worry, but some people worry excessively and uncontrollably. It is considered a disorder if the anxiety has been going on for at least 6 months. The most common areas of worry are health, family and money. People with generalized anxiety disorder are continually waiting for something dreadful to happen, either to themselves or to those around them. Consquently they feel restless and on edge and have trouble concentrating.
Some people also develop insomnia.
GAD also has an impact on the sufferer's physical well-being. Symptoms include increased heartbeat, muscle pain and tension, increased need to urinate, palpitations, cold chills or hot flushes and nausea. GAD can affect everyone at any time and most people are touched by it at some time of their lives. However, it is more common in females and in people who are separated, divorced, widowed or unemployed. There are various ways to treat this disorder.