Clinical Pearl of the Day: Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Patients with GAD experience continuous anxiety and stressful life experience.

Insight:

• It's possible to develop GAD as a child or an adult.
• GAD has symptoms that are similar to panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other types of anxiety, but they're all different conditions.
• Living with generalized anxiety disorder can be a long-term challenge.
• In many cases, GAD occurs along with other anxiety or mood disorders.
• In most cases, GAD improves with psychotherapy or medications.
• Symptoms may include persistent worrying, overthinking, indecisiveness, inability to relax, and difficulty concentrating.
• Risk factors may include genetics and life experiences.
• Diagnosis may include physical therapy and mental assessment.
• Treatment includes psychotherapy, antidepressants, buspirone, and benzodiazepines.
• Making lifestyle changes, learning coping skills, and using relaxation techniques also can help.

Sources:

• Generalized anxiety disorder - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
• generalized anxiety disorder - Google Search