PART A

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

This common anxiety disorder affects approximately one in four people at some point. The characteristic feature of this disorder is excessive worry on most days. This causes distress and/or functional impairment to the person. An individual may worry about work, relationships, health, approval, goals, or money.

Worry or concern is a normal part of our lives. When worry becomes disturbing and troublesome, people may become restless, fatigued, and irritable. They may experience inability to concentrate, have impaired sleep, and feel muscle tension. For a GAD diagnosis, people must have difficulty controlling their worry and at least six of the symptoms listed in Table 5.1 (Carson et al, 1988). Such criteria must be present for at least six months.

Table 5.1:
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorderanxiety

  • trembling, twitching, “shaky”
  • muscle tension, aching, sore
  • restlessness
  • easily fatigued
  • “keyed up”, “on edge”
  • exaggerated startle response
  • difficulty sleeping
  • concentration difficulties
  • irritability
  • shortness of breath, “smothering”
  • rapid pulse, palpitations
  • sweating, clammy hands
  • dry mouth
  • dizziness, light-headedness
  • nausea, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal distress
  • hot flashes or chills
  • frequent urination

Watch the video below about Connor's experience with GAD and OCD.

What are the criteria for the diagnosis of GAD?

1.  Excessive anxiety and worry occurring for at least 6 months about several things
2.  Difficulty controlling the worry.
3.  The anxiety and worry are associated with 3 or more of the following:  restlessness or feeling on edge, fatigued, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension or sleep disturbance.
4.  Anxiety and worry are not due to substance abuse, a medical condition or a mental disorder.
5.  The anxiety and physical symptoms cause marked distress and significant impairment in daily functioning.

Treatment:

Some people with GAD will experience improvements in their anxiety and functioning with supportive cognitive based counselling.  Others may require medication.  Referral to an appropriate health professional for medical attention could be considered if the GAD is severe and if the functional impairment is extensive.  For some, merely knowing that they have GAD and receiving supportive counseling may be helpful enough.

*Some people with GAD may go on to develop a clinical depression.  Some people may begin to use substances such as alcohol to help control their anxiety.  If this occurs, they may be at risk of developing a substance abuse or substance dependence problem.

Read more about generalized anxiety disorder at the web site below:

internet

Teen Mental Health

http://teenmentalhealth.org/learn/mental-disorders/generalized-anxiety-disorder/