Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a persistent state of heightened anxiety and apprehension including excessive worrying, fear, or dread occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. Per The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), the individual may find it difficult to control the worry to the extent that it negatively creates distress or dysfunction in the individual. According to Gale and Millichamp (2016) Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects about 1% of children and 3% of adolescents. Children with a diagnosis of GAD may experience difficulty coping in their home, daily task, and in completion of self-care activities. Females are particularly at risk for experiencing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specifically, females are twice as likely to experience generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In children, GAD may involve fears about the family, performance at school, maintaining friendships, and social status amongst their peers. Per (Elia J., 2021), COVID-19 and the associated school closures and isolation from extended family, peers, teachers, etc. increased stress and anxiety in nearly all children.

​Symptoms:

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