Information from:
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
http://www.adaa.org/
People who experience Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) usually feel anxiety and worry. A person may find it difficult to keep worried thoughts from interfering with everyday circumstances such as job responsibilities, finances, household chores, etc.
Over a lifetime, it is estimated that 5% of the population will develop Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It is more common in women than in men and it usually develops in childhood or early adulthood. The symptoms are generally chronic and get worse during stressful situations.
Characteristics:

The symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder include both psychological and physical symptoms, which can include:

• expecting the worst - a feeling of apprehension is constant, even upon waking
• inability to control worry - no matter what, the worry remains
• physical stress - sore muscles, inability to relax, edginess, headaches
• constant arousal (hyper-vigilance) - irritable, impatient, lack of concentration, insomnia, physical symptoms such as increased pulse, clammy hands, dry mouth, perspiration, increased blood pressure, difficulty swallowing, stomach aches, lightheadedness, frequent urination, diarrhea, sore throat

Treatment:
The following methods may be used on their own or in combination.
Cognitive Therapy, with a focus on relaxation techniques, symptom management, and systematic desensitization have proved to be very successful in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Psychotherapy is rarely used alone, but it can help motivate patients who feel overwhelmed by their anxiety. It is especially helpful if the cause of the symptoms is an unconscious conflict.

Medication is often used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. The most commonly prescribed medications include benzodiazepines and buspirone (BuSpar). Tricyclic antidepressants are also used.