Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by chronic and excessive worry about various aspects of life, including personal health, work, social interactions, and everyday routine life circumstances. The worry associated with GAD is uncontrollable, persistent, and can interfere significantly with a person's daily activities.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of GAD is a chronic and excessive worry that is difficult to control. This worry often pertains to everyday life circumstances, such as work, personal health, social interactions, and routine activities. Alongside excessive worry, individuals with GAD may also experience physical and cognitive symptoms, including restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of GAD is based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For a diagnosis to be made, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. Other psychiatric conditions and physical health conditions must also be ruled out as potential causes of the symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for GAD typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and lifestyle changes. CBT is a form of therapy that helps individuals to understand and change thought patterns that lead to harmful behaviors or distressing feelings. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and benzodiazepines, may be used to manage symptoms.

See Also

• Anxiety disorder
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

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