Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a consistent state of increased anxiety and apprehension. GAD is often exhibited as regular and excessive worrying, fear, or dread occurring for at least 6 months. Children or adolescents with GAD experience difficulty in controlling their sense of worry, which may result in distress or dysfunction.​

​Children diagnosed with GAD may experience difficulty coping in different environments and completing daily tasks. They often experience fears about family, performance at school, maintaining friendships, and social status amongst their peers. In addition, children with GAD may display symptoms of irritability.

COVID-19 and the resulting isolation from extended family, peers, and teachers increased stress and anxiety in nearly all children⁸ increasing the risk of GAD. Females are particularly at risk of experiencing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and are twice as likely to experience symptoms consistent with GAD⁹.

Symptoms:

• Feeling restless.
• Becoming tired easily.
• Difficulty maintaining concentration.
• Irritability 
• Muscle tension or appearing “stiff.”
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep.