Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things. People with the disorder experience excessive anxiety and worry, often expecting the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern. They anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. GAD is diagnosed when a person finds it difficult to control worry on more days than not for at least six months and has three or more symptoms. People with GAD have significant difficulty stopping the worry cycle and feel as if it is beyond their control. GAD affects about 7 million adults, or 3% of the U.S. population, in any given year. Women are twice as likely to be affected.