Five major types of anxiety disorders are:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Panic Disorder

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

There is some overlap in symptoms between these various disorders. But there are defining characteristics of each disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a relatively common condition that affects 3 to 4% of the population each year. Given the stresses of modern life, it is normal to experience occasional anxiety. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. It helps one deal with a tense situation in the office, study harder for an exam, keep focused on an important speech or complete a project. In general, it helps one cope. But when anxiety becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it has become a disabling disorder. However, people with generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, suffer from persistent worry and tension that is much worse than the anxiety most people experience from time to time. The high level or chronic state of anxiety associated with GAD can make ordinary activities difficult or even impossible. To qualify as GAD, the disorder must not be caused by abuse of drugs or alcohol (although symptoms caused by drug abuse/addiction or alcoholism can mimic the symptoms of GAD, but is referred to as Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder). The main symptom of GAD is an exaggerated or unfounded state of worry and anxiety, often about such matters as health, money, family, or work. There may also be preoccupation with the quality of one's performance or competence (fear of being judged by others or being driven to perfectionism). Although people with GAD may realize that their anxiety is excessive or unwarranted, they are unable to simply "snap out of it." For them, the mere thought of getting through the day can provoke anxiety. The persistent worrying characteristic of GAD is hard to control and interferes with daily life. Many GAD sufferers seem unable to relax and may startle easily. In addition, GAD is often accompanied by symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, accelerated heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, muscle tension, gastrointestinal problems, feeling restless, tiring easily, trouble concentrating, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. GAD does not appear suddenly; it develops over time. To be diagnosed with GAD, a person must experience the following:

• Excessive anxiety and worry about several events or activities for more than half the days in at least 6 months

• Trouble controlling these feelings

• The presence of 3 or more of the following symptoms, some of which are present for over half the days in the past 6 months:

• Feeling restless, edgy, keyed up

• Tiring easily

• Trouble concentrating

• Irritability

• Increased muscle tension

• Trouble sleeping (initial insomnia or restless, unsatisfying sleep)

• The anxiety and worry aren't suggestive of another mood disorder

• The symptoms cause severe distress or impair a person's ability to function at work, socially, or in some other way