Generalized anxiety disorder is when people have chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience.

 

People with this disorder usually expect the worst; they worry excessively even when there are no signs of trouble. They are unable to relax and often waiting for the other shoe to drop. They are what used to be referred to as "worry worts". The anxiety or worry can keep them up at night and they suffer from insomnia.

 

What can be done?

 

Many cases of GAD can be treated with counselling alone. 

 

When severe, there are medicines that can alleviate the anxiety and help the patient go to sleep better at night.