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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent and chronic mental health condition characterized predominantly by excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various aspects of daily life. Unlike the normal anxiety experienced by individuals in response to specific stressors, GAD is more diffuse, uncontrollable, and often disproportionate to the actual likelihood or impact of the anticipated event. Individuals with GAD frequently struggle with symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life, affecting social, occupational, and other important areas.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Context of GAD | • Part of a range of anxiety disorders including panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, social phobia, specific phobias, and acute stress disorder. • Can occur in isolation or commonly with other anxiety and depressive disorders. |
| Prevalence and Nature | • A common disorder characterized by excessive worry. • Central feature: Excessive worry about various events associated with heightened tension. |
| Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-IV) | Requires 2 major symptoms: 1. Excessive anxiety and worry about various events and activities. 2. Difficulty controlling the worry. Plus 3 or more additional symptoms from a specified list of 6. ( See below ) Symptoms must be present for at least 6... |
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