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Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition in which a person worries excessively about all types of life issues, including health, family, money and work. Patients with this disorder may find themselves unable to relax, even when there are no signs of abnormal trouble in their lives.

Each year, about 6.8 million Americans over the age of 18 years experience GAD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). This makes it among the most common anxiety disorders. GAD tends to develop more gradually than many other anxiety disorders. Although GAD can begin during childhood or adolescence, the median age of onset is 31 years. The disorder affects women twice as often as men.

Evidence of GAD may differ slightly depending on a patient’s age. Children with the disorder may worry about their performance in school or during sporting events, and may be perfectionists, conformists and unsure of themselves. Meanwhile, adults may worry excessively and continually about finances, their children’s health, job responsibilities or minor things such as household chores.

Patients with GAD may report a feeling of unease that has been present most of their lives. It is not unusual for patients to report that they cannot remember the last time they felt relaxed.

Experts remain unsure of what exactly causes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Factors that are believed to contribute include heredity and stress.