Overview of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental disorder characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that is difficult for the person to control that is a about a variety of things, and causes significant disruption to one's life. It affects approximately 5% of the general population and has different prevalence rates for people based on sex, age, and race/ethnicity among others.

Diagnostic Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Ed; DSM-IV) is the book used by qualified mental health professionals to make a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The following is a summary of the required symptom makeup to be used as a guide. However, it is important to know that only a qualified professional who also relies on clinical judgment can make an accurate diagnosis.

A. At least 6 months of "excessive anxiety and worry" about a variety of events and situations. Generally, "excessive" can be interpreted as more than would be expected for a particular situation or event. Most people become anxious over certain things, but the intensity of the anxiety typically corresponds to the situation.

B. There is significant difficulty in controlling the anxiety and worry. If someone has a very difficult struggle to regain control, relax, or cope with the anxiety and worry, then this requirement is met.

C. The presence for most days over the previous six months of 3 or more (only 1 for children) of the following symptoms:

1. Feeling wound-up, tense, or restless
2. Easily becoming fatigued or worn-out
3. Concentration problems
4. Irritability
5. Significant tension in muscles
6. Difficulty with sleep

D. The symptoms are not part of another mental disorder.

E. The symptoms cause "clinically significant distress" or problems functioning in daily life. "Clinically significant" is the part that relies on the perspective of the treatment provider. Some people can have many of the aforementioned symptoms and cope with them well enough to maintain a high level of functioning.

F. The condition is not due to a substance or medical issue.

Causes & Treatment
There are a variety of possible causes of GAD (genetic, environmental, psychological, and cultural), and the main treatment is often psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. The primary method of psychotherapy used for GAD is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and a variety of medications can be prescribed for symptom relief. Many people also have some success with self-help relaxation and cognitive restructuring techniques.

Research & Similar Diagnoses
Current research on the disorder is tackling questions related to causes and treatments, and also how GAD affects the lives of those who experience it. For example, individuals with GAD often have added difficulty establishing new interpersonal relationships and making progress toward career goals. The disorder shares some elements with depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ADHD, and a subset of sufferers develop a co-occurring substance-abuse problem. Fortunately, there is a growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people can overcome GAD with proper treatment and motivation, allowing them to live more satisfying lives.