Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of activities.
Etiology (Biopsychosocial Model)
Biological: GABA and serotonin imbalances; moderate heritability.
Psychological: Perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty.
Social: Ongoing stressors, adverse early experiences.
Symptoms & Diagnosis (Mnemonic: WATCHERS)
W - Worry (excessive and uncontrollable)
A - Anxiety more days than not
T - Tension in muscles
C - Concentration difficulties
H - Hypervigilance/irritability
E - Easily fatigued
R - Restlessness
S - Sleep disturbances
Treatment
CBT: CBT with worry exposure and cognitive restructuring.
Pharmacotherapy: SSRIs, SNRIs (e.g., paroxetine, venlafaxine).
Mindfulness: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
Info
DSM-5-TR Code
F41.1
Prevalence
U.S. adults: 2.9%; more common in females (2:1).