Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is marked by persistent, excessive worry about everyday concerns—health, work, relationships, finances—that feels difficult to control and interferes with daily life. Unlike situational anxiety, GAD creates a chronic sense of dread or unease even when no immediate threat exists. Physical symptoms often accompany the mental distress, including muscle tension, fatigue, restlessness, and sleep disturbances.
GAD affects millions of adults and often co-occurs with other conditions such as depression, PTSD, or substance use. Many people live with untreated GAD for years, mistaking constant worry as simply their personality. Structured outpatient treatment at Merrimack Valley Behavioral Health helps adults in Massachusetts learn evidence-based skills to manage anxiety, reduce avoidance, and restore functioning—without requiring residential or inpatient care.
