Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Key points
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by a pattern of frequent, persistent worry and anxiety about several events or activities during at least a 6-month period.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common condition.
- A physical examination and a psychological evaluation should be completed in order to rule out other causes of anxiety.
- Medications used to treat anxiety disorders include antidepressants and anti-anxiety agents.
Definition
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by a pattern of frequent, persistent worry and anxiety about several events or activities during at least a 6-month period.
Alternative Names
GAD
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common condition. Reasonable estimates for its 1-year prevalence range from 3-8%. The disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry that is out of proportion to the impact of the event or circumstance that is the focus of the worry.
For example, while college students often worry about tests, a student who persistently worries about failure, despite consistently obtaining good grades, displays the pattern of worry typical of this disorder.
The person finds it difficult to control the worry. The cause of GAD is not known, but biological and psychological factors play a role. Stressful life situations or maladaptive behavior, acquired through learning, may also contribute to GAD.
The disorder may start at any time in life, including childhood. Most patients with the disorder report that they have been anxious for as long as they can remember. GAD occurs somewhat more often among women than among men.
Symptoms
Anxiety and worry are often associated with the following symptoms:
- restlessness or feeling keyed up or on the edge
- being easily fatigued
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
- muscle tension - shakiness, headaches
- sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep; or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
- excessive sweating, palpitations, shortness of breath, and various gastrointestinal symptoms
Signs and tests
A physical examination and a psychological evaluation should be completed in order to rule out other causes of anxiety. Physical disorders that may mimic an anxiety state should be ruled out, as well as drug-induced symptoms. Various diagnostic tests may be done in this process.
Treatment
Medications used to treat anxiety disorders include antidepressants and anti-anxiety agents. Treatment may also involve sedative (sleep-inducing) drugs, antihistamines, and/or minor tranquilizers.
These medications act on the central nervous system to reduce the feelings of anxiety and associated symptoms. A common class of anti-anxiety medications, the benzodiazepines, are usually used with caution due to their potential for dependence.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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