Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Mary Kimmel, M.D., Claire Zachik, Traci Speed, M.D., Ph.D.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a topic covered in the Johns Hopkins Psychiatry Guide.

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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

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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

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