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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Generalized anxiety disorder''' ('''GAD''') is an [[anxiety disorder]] that is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things, which is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering from GAD typically catastrophize, anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as [[health]] issues, money, [[family]] problems, or work difficulties.<ref name="nimh">[http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxiety.cfm#anx7 "Anxiety Disorders"], National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed [[28 May]] [[2008]].</ref> They often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]], [[headache]]s, muscle tension, [[Myalgia|muscle aches]], difficulty [[swallowing]], [[tremor|trembling]], [[Muscle contraction|twitching]], [[irritability]], [[sweating]], and [[hot flashes]]. These symptoms must be consistent and on-going, persisting at least 6 months, for a formal diagnosis of GAD to be introduced. <ref name="nimh" /> Approximately 6.8 million [[United States|American]] adults experience GAD, affecting about twice as many women as men.<ref name="numbers">[http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/numbers.cfm "The Numbers Count"], National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed [[28 May]] [[2007]].</ref> | '''Generalized anxiety disorder''' ('''GAD''') is an [[anxiety disorder]] that is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things, which is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering from GAD typically catastrophize, anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as [[health]] issues, money, [[family]] problems, or work difficulties.<ref name="nimh">[http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxiety.cfm#anx7 "Anxiety Disorders"], National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed [[28 May]] [[2008]].</ref> They often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]], [[headache]]s, muscle tension, [[Myalgia|muscle aches]], difficulty [[swallowing]], [[tremor|trembling]], [[Muscle contraction|twitching]], [[irritability]], [[sweating]], and [[hot flashes]]. These symptoms must be consistent and on-going, persisting at least 6 months, for a formal diagnosis of GAD to be introduced. <ref name="nimh" /> Approximately 6.8 million [[United States|American]] adults experience GAD, affecting about twice as many women as men.<ref name="numbers">[http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/numbers.cfm "The Numbers Count"], National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed [[28 May]] [[2007]].</ref> | ||
==Differentiating Generalized anxiety disorder from other Disorders== | |||
The differential diagnosis in generalized anxiety disorder is similar to that of [[panic disorder]]. It is important to rule out drug-induced conditions. The mental status examination should take in consideration the possibility of [[schizophrenia]], [[obsessive-compulsive disorder]], [[major depressive disorder]], and both specific and social phobias. | |||
==References== | ==References== |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things, which is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering from GAD typically catastrophize, anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, family problems, or work difficulties.[1] They often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, and hot flashes. These symptoms must be consistent and on-going, persisting at least 6 months, for a formal diagnosis of GAD to be introduced. [1] Approximately 6.8 million American adults experience GAD, affecting about twice as many women as men.[2]
Differentiating Generalized anxiety disorder from other Disorders
The differential diagnosis in generalized anxiety disorder is similar to that of panic disorder. It is important to rule out drug-induced conditions. The mental status examination should take in consideration the possibility of schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, and both specific and social phobias.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Anxiety Disorders", National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed 28 May 2008.
- ↑ "The Numbers Count", National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed 28 May 2007.