Generalized anxiety disorder facts for kids

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a type of anxiety disorder where people worry a lot about everyday things, even when there's no real reason to. This worry can be so strong that it makes it hard to do normal daily activities. People with GAD often expect bad things to happen and are always concerned about things like their health, money, or family problems.

Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What is GAD?

GAD is more than just feeling worried sometimes. It means having a lot of worry that doesn't go away easily. This worry can be about many different things, not just one specific problem. For example, someone with GAD might worry about school, friends, family, or even small things like being on time for an appointment.

How Does GAD Affect People?

When someone has GAD, their body can react to the constant worry. Physical signs can include feeling shaky, tense muscles, sweating, or feeling hot. They might also have trouble sleeping, feel tired, or have difficulty concentrating. These feelings last for a long time, often six months or more. Millions of adults in the United States have GAD.

What Causes GAD?

Scientists believe that GAD can be caused by a mix of things. These include:

• Brain chemistry: Differences in how the brain handles certain chemicals can play a role.
• Genetics: GAD can sometimes run in families, meaning you might be more likely to have it if a family member does.
• Life experiences: Stressful events or difficult situations can sometimes trigger GAD.

How Can GAD Be Managed?

It's important to know that GAD can be managed. People with GAD can get help to feel better. Some common ways to manage GAD include:

• Talking to a professional: A therapist or counselor can teach ways to handle worry and anxiety. This is often called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Medication: Sometimes, doctors might suggest medicines that can help reduce anxiety.
• Healthy habits: Doing things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques (like deep breathing) can also help.

Images for kids

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  The amygdala (in red) is a part of the brain linked to anxiety.

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  A robot thinking, which can represent how our brains process thoughts and worries.