Generalized Anxiety Disorder

DEFINITION

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined as persistent excessive free-floating anxiety and worry about multiple general aspects of life (e.g., family/relationships, school/work, and health).
• Anxiety and worry are normal phenomena in response to stress.
• The anxiety and worry associated with GAD is:
  • Out of proportion to the actual likelihood or impact of the anticipated event, activity, or situation
  • Difficult to control
  • Causes significant distress, with associated physical symptoms
  • Interferes with psychosocial functioning
• The etiology of GAD is not completely understood, but biological and psychosocial factors appear to contribute.
  • One-third of the risk of experiencing GAD appears due to genetic causes.