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Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD)
by
Julie Riley, MS, RD DefinitionGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder marked by chronic, exaggerated worrying and anxiety about everyday life. The worry is so severe that it interferes with a person's ability to live their life. CausesGAD may be caused by:
Risk FactorsGAD is nearly twice as common in women than in men. Other factors that may increase your chances of GAD:
SymptomsSymptoms of GAD usually develop slowly. People with GAD often have both psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety. Psychological symptoms include:
Physical symptoms may include:
People with GAD often have other anxiety disorders, depression, and/or substance use disorders. DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical and psychiatric exam will be done. Conditions with similar symptoms will be evaluated. Blood and urine tests may be done. You will be asked about any medications that you are taking, including over the counter products, herbs, and supplements. Some medications can cause side effects similar to the symptoms of GAD. You will also be asked about any other substances that you may be using such as nicotine, caffeine, illegal drugs, prescription medications, and alcohol. To make a diagnosis of GAD, symptoms must:
You may be referred to a psychotherapist for further evaluation. TreatmentCounseling with or without medicine can help to manage GAD symptoms. It can ease impact on day-to-day life. CounselingThere are many types of treatment for GAD. The choice will be based on specific needs by may include one or more of the following:
MedicineMedicine may be recommended if symptoms are debilitating. It may help with work in counseling. The length of time on medicine will depend on how severe symptoms are. Medicine choices may include:
The risks and benefits of medicine will be weighed when making treatment plan. Some types may cause dependence. Other StepsSome habits may help to ease tension. They may be used as part of overall treatment.
Strong social support may also help or be an important part of therapy. PreventionThere are no current guidelines to prevent GAD because the cause is unknown. RESOURCES:Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org Mental Health America http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Psychiatric Association https://www.cpa-apc.org Canadian Psychological Association https://cpa.ca References:Anxiety disorders. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml. Updated July 2018. Accessed May 8, 2020. Anxiety Treatment. Anxiety and Depression Association of America website. Available at: https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/treatments. Accessed May 8, 2020. DeMartini J, Patel G, Fancher TL. Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Ann Intern Med. 2019 Apr 2;170(7):ITC49-ITC64. Generalized anxiety disorder. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/generalized-anxiety-disorder/. Updated November 13, 2020. Accessed May 8, 2020. Locke AB, Kirst N, Shultz CG. Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2015 May 1;91(9):617-24
11/6/2014 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
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: Mars B, Heron J, Crane C, et al. Clinical and social outcomes of adolescent self harm: population based birth cohort study. BMJ. 2014;349:g5954.
Last reviewed November 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 05/08/2020 | |