Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Kids with GAD experience frequent worry about any number of different topics. They may worry about something that could happen in the future (e.g. a test or dentist appointment) or something that happened in the past (e.g. doing something embarrassing, doing poorly on a homework assignment). Common worries include school performance, mistakes they have made in the past, personal health or the health of loved ones, family finances, or things going on in the world at large (e.g. war, natural disasters, etc.). Kids suffering with GAD may persistently seek reassurance from parents and other adults, and may have particular difficulties tolerating uncertainty.

At times, kids with GAD may feel like they can’t stop worrying. As a result of this worry, it is common for kids with GAD to experience uncomfortable physical sensations (e.g. restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleeping difficulties).

When the worry of a child or adolescent is excessive, spans a number of events or activities, and feels uncontrollable to the child, a diagnosis of GAD may be warranted.

GAD can be associated with considerable life impairment, reduced quality of life, and interference with family, school, and peer functioning. If you think your child may suffer from GAD, please call us at 305-348-7836, or email us at mint@fiu.edu. We can help!