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What are the DSM 5 diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder?
- A. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance).
- B. The individual finds it difficult to control the worry.
- C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms having been present for more days than not for the past 6 months):
- 1. Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
- 2. Being easily fatigued
- 3. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- 4. Irritability
- 5. Muscle tension
- 6. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
- D. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
- E. The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
- F. The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder.
DSM 4 to DSM 5 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Comparison
| DSM 4 | DSM 5 |
|---|---|
| Disorder Class: Anxiety Disorders | SAME |
| A. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance). | SAME |
| B. The person finds it difficult to control the worry. | SAME |
| C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three or more of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms present for more days than not for the past 6 months). Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge Being easily fatigued Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank Irritability Muscle tension Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep) | SAME |
| D. The focus of the anxiety and worry is not confined to features of an Axis I disorder (e.g., the anxiety or worry is not about having a panic attack [as in panic disorder], being embarrassed in public [as in social phobia], being contaminated [as in obsessive-compulsive disorder] being away from home or close relatives [as in separation anxiety disorder], gaining weight [as in anorexia Nervosa], or having a serious illness [as in hypochondriasis]), and the anxiety and worry do not occur exclusively during posttraumatic stress disorder. | F. The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., anxiety or worry about having panic attacks in panic disorder, negative evaluation in social anxiety disorder [social phobia], contamination or other obsessions in obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation from attachment figures in separation anxiety disorder, reminders of traumatic events in posttraumatic stress disorder, gaining weight in anorexia nervosa, physical complaints in somatic symptom disorder, perceived appearance flaws in body dysmorphic disorder, having a serious illness in illness anxiety disorder, or the content of delusional beliefs in schizophrenia or delusional disorder). |
| E. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. | SAME (part D) |
| F. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism) and does not occur exclusively during a mood disorder, a psychotic disorder, or a pervasive developmental disorder. | E. The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism). |
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry and anxiety about a wide range of everyday life events and situations. It goes beyond the normal levels of worry that most people experience and can significantly impact daily functioning and well-being. Here are some key features and symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
- Excessive worry: Individuals with GAD experience excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of their life, such as work, relationships, health, finances, or daily responsibilities. The worry is often disproportionate to the actual threat or concern.
- Persistent anxiety: The anxiety and worry associated with GAD are persistent and typically present on most days for at least six months. The worrying is difficult to control or stop.
- Physical symptoms: GAD may manifest with physical symptoms, including restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. These symptoms may be associated with chronic activation of the body’s stress response.
- Difficulty concentrating: Individuals with GAD often have difficulty concentrating or finding their mind going blank due to excessive worry and preoccupation.
- Irrational fears: People with GAD may also experience excessive worry about worst-case scenarios, catastrophizing future events, or having irrational fears about things going wrong.
- Impairment in daily functioning: The excessive worry and anxiety associated with GAD can significantly interfere with daily life, such as work productivity, relationships, social activities, and overall quality of life.
- Comorbidity: GAD commonly co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as depression, panic disorder, and substance use disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common and chronic mental health condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about everyday life events and situations. People with GAD often experience persistent and excessive anxiety that is difficult to control and may interfere with daily activities and functioning. The worries are often unrealistic, excessive, and may extend to various aspects of life, including health, finances, work, relationships, and other everyday matters.
Key features of Generalized Anxiety Disorder include:
- Excessive Worry: The primary characteristic of GAD is excessive worry about various issues, events, or activities. The worry is often out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the situation.
- Difficulty Controlling Worry: Individuals with GAD find it challenging to control their worry, and the anxiety tends to persist even when they recognize that it is excessive or irrational.
- Restlessness or Feeling On Edge: People with GAD may feel restless, on edge, or keyed up. They may have difficulty relaxing and may be easily startled.
- Fatigue: The constant worry and anxiety can lead to fatigue and a sense of being physically and emotionally drained.
- Muscle Tension: GAD can cause muscle tension and physical symptoms like headaches or body aches.
- Irritability: Individuals with GAD may be irritable and find it difficult to concentrate.
- Sleep Disturbances: GAD can lead to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in sleep disturbances.
- Physical Symptoms: GAD may manifest with physical symptoms, such as sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or gastrointestinal distress.
The exact cause of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is not fully understood, but it is likely to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some individuals may have a family history of anxiety disorders, making them more susceptible to developing GAD.
Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder usually involves a combination of approaches, including:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy can help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Medications: Antidepressant medications or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed by a healthcare provider to help manage the symptoms of GAD.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and stress management techniques can support overall well-being and help manage anxiety.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness can help reduce anxiety.
- Support Network: Having a strong support system of family and friends can be helpful in managing anxiety.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the quality of life and help individuals better manage their anxiety symptoms.
Sources
Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
