iPsychology

Index

Anxiety Disorder Flow Chart
Criteria
Definition
Treatment ( Psychotherapy )
Treatment ( Pharmacotherapy )

Definition

Generalized Anxiety Disorder ( GAD ) is characterized by free-floating anxiety that seems to be a constant feature of daily existence. GAD can range from mild nervousness to a continuous feeling of dread. There may be somatic symptoms, muscle tension,  muscle aches, or shaky feelings. GAD is frequently related to another disorder. ( E.g., Dysthymic, Major Depression, Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Specific Phobia, or Substance Abuse ) Irritable Bowel Syndrome and headaches may accompany GAD.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a real illness that requires attention from a qualified healthcare professional. If you are experiencing symptoms and think you may have GAD, or if you want to access specific information about this disorder, follow the links below.
Given the stresses of modern life, it is normal to experience occasional anxiety. However, people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, suffer from persistent worry and tension that is much worse than the anxiety most people experience from time to time. The high level or chronic state of anxiety associated with GAD can make ordinary activities difficult or even impossible.
The main symptom of GAD is an exaggerated or unfounded state of worry and anxiety, often about such matters as health, money, family, or work. Although people with GAD may realize that their anxiety is excessive or unwarranted, they are unable to simply "snap out of it"—for them, the mere thought of getting through the day can provoke anxiety.
The persistent worry characteristic of GAD is hard to control, and interferes with daily life. Many GAD sufferers seem unable to relax, and may startle easily. In addition, GAD is often accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension.
GAD does not appear suddenly; it develops over time. To be diagnosed with GAD, you must have had anxiety more days than not for at least 6 months.

ONSET:

COMMON: Childhood to adolescence.
LESS COMMON: Reports they have had symptoms all their life.

Diagnostic Criteria - Mental Health made easy.

NOT DUE TO A SUBSTANCE,  GENERAL MEDICAL CONDITION,  OR OTHER DISORDER.
SEE: CAUSING ANXIETY.

For at least six months the person had more days full of anxiety and apprehension then not.

There is difficult dealing with the anxiety and apprehension.

Have three or more of the following associated with the anxiety and apprehension:

1. Restlessness or feeling on edge.
2. Get tired easily.
3. Concentration problems and mind going blank.
4. Irritability.
5. Muscle tension.
6. Problems falling or staying asleep.

Anxiety and apprehension not associated with another disorder. (E.g., drug abuse, general medical condition, medication, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Specific Phobia )

Must be impairment in important areas of functioning. (E.g., work, social life, ... )

Treatment ( Psychotherapy )

Adlerian Therapy
Behavior Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy
Existential Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Person-centered Therapy
Psychoanalytic
Rational-emotive Therapy
Reality Therapy
Transactional Analysis

Treatment ( Pharmacotherapy )

Alprazolam Intensol
Alzapam
Ativan
BuSpar
Centrax
Equanil
Inderal
Inderal LA
Klonopin
Lexapro ( Lexaprotm )
Libritabs
Librium
Lipoxide
Luvox
Meprospan
Miltown
Neuramate
Novo-Alprazol
Paxil
Paxipam
Serax
T-Quil
Tranxene
Tranxene - SD
Tranxene T
Valium
Valrelease
Versed
Xanax