Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry that occurs more days than not for at least six months, related to a series of events or activities. Anxiety, worry and physical symptoms cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of life. In Europe, the lifetime prevalence of this mental disorder has been determined to be from 2.8 to 6.2%. Genetic factors predispose individuals to generalized anxiety disorder. Research has shown a heritability of 30%. In addition to the influence of genes, the importance of environmental factors was also investigated, thus demonstrating the importance of early developmental trauma and recent stressful life events. Numerous studies have been conducted on the differences in the anatomy and function of certain brain regions that are present in people with a developed clinical picture of GAD. The amygdala and prefrontal cortex play an important role. During the examination of the patient the goal is to determine whether he meets the diagnostic criteria. It is also important to exclude other possible conditions because anxiety is present in many mental disorders, but also in non-pathological conditions such as stressrelated anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder often occurs in comorbidity with major depressive disorder as well as with other anxiety disorders. The main approaches to treatment are the use of pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy or both. The choice of treatment is individualized. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors are used as first-line drugs in pharmacological treatment. In the psychotherapy approach, cognitivebehavioral therapy is most often used.