Generalized Anxiety Disorder
ABSTRACT
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) effects approximately 18.1% of the adult population and is the most common mental illness in the United States (Preston, O’Neal, And Talaga, 2005 and Anxiety Disorders Association of America, n.d). This paper gives an overview of the statistics and the symptoms and diagnostic features of GAD. It also provides a more detailed review of the causes including biological, psychological, sociological and environmental contributors to the development and perpetuation of GAD. Lastly, it will review the most common treatments of GAD including psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches to treatment.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) also includes Overanxious Disorder of Childhood (OAD). It is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry that must be present for at least six months for the diagnosis to apply. There are several symptoms associated with GAD including: restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge; being easily fatigued; difficulty concentrating or mind going blank; irritability; muscle tension; and sleep disturbance. And while at least three of these must be present for a diagnosis of GAD in adults, only one need be present in children or adolescents. Other diagnostic criteria for GAD are the focus of the anxiety and worry must not be: confined to the features of an Axis I disorder or about having a panic attack, being away from home, gaining weight, having multiple complaints, having a serious illness, or occur during Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Also, the anxiety or worry must not be due to substance use or abuse and must cause significant distress either socially, occupationally, or in another area of functioning (American Psychological Association, 2000).
One difference between adult GAD and childhood or adolescent GAD is the types of anxieties and concerns that manifest themselves. In adults the worries seem to be more social or occupational issues such as “job...
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