• The Symptoms of Anxiety:

  Unrealistic or excessive worry or fears
  Exaggerated startle reactions
  Sleep disturbances
  Ritualistic behaviors (i.e. excessive hand washing, counting things)
  Shakiness and trembling
  Racing or pounding heart
  High pulse and/or breathing rate
  Muscle aches and/or tension

• GAD affects about 4 million adult Americans; about twice as many women as men
• The disorder comes on gradually and can begin across the life cycle, though the risk is highest between childhood and middle age
• It is diagnosed when someone spends at least 6 months worrying excessively about a number of everyday problems. There is evidence that genes play a modest role
• GAD is commonly treated with psychotherapy and medication
• GAD rarely ocures alone, however; it is usually accompanied by another anxiety disorder, depression, or substance abuse

Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.