Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder

GAD; Anxiety disorder

Last reviewed: March 25, 2012.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a pattern of constant worry and anxiety over many different activities and events.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common condition. Genes may play a role. Stress may also contribute to the development of GAD.

Anyone can develop this disorder, even kids. Most people with the disorder report that they have been anxious for as long as they can remember. GAD occurs somewhat more often in women than in men.

Symptoms

The main symptom is the almost constant presence of worry or tension, even when there is little or no cause. Worries seem to float from one…show more content…
Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical and mental health exam. Tests will be done to rule out other conditions and behaviors that cause similar symptoms.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to help you function well during day-to-day life. A combination of medicine and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works best.

Medications are an important part of treatment. Once you start them, do not suddenly stop taking them without talking with your health care provider. Medications that may be used include:
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first choice in medications. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another choice.

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Other antidepressants and some antiseizure drugs may be used for severe cases.

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Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan) may be used short-term if antidepressants don't help enough with symptoms. Long-term use can lead to dependence on these drugs.…show more content…
Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you constantly worry and feel anxious and it interferes with your daily activities.

References
1.Anxiety Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed February 5, 2010.
2.Hoffmann SG, Smits JA. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. J Clin Psychiatry. 2008;69:621-632.
3.Pollack MH, Kinrys G, Delong H, Vasconcelos e Sá D, Simon NM. The pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 41.
4.Connolly SD, Bernstein GA. Work Group on Quality Issues. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatmetn of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007;46:267-283.

Review Date: 3/25/2012.

Reviewed by: Timothy Rogge, MD, Medical Director, Family Medical Psychiatry Center, Kirkland, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical