Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Definition and Diagnosis

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic and excessive worry about everyday things, even when there is no apparent reason to worry.
Diagnosed when excessive anxiety and worry occur more days than not for at least 6 months.
Must experience three or more of the following symptoms:
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Fatigue
- Concentration problems
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance

Excessive and persistent worry about everyday things, such as:
- Work or school performance
- Financial matters
- Relationships
- Health concerns
Physical symptoms:
- Trembling or shaking
- Feeling of impending doom
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Headaches
Behavioral symptoms:
- Avoidance behaviors
- Restlessness or fidgeting
- Difficulty concentrating

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): helps change negative thought patterns and behaviors
Medications:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Benzodiazepines (for short-term use)
Lifestyle changes:
- Regular exercise and relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
- Healthy sleep habits and nutrition
- Stress management and time management techniques

GAD is characterized by chronic and excessive worry about everyday things, even when there is no apparent reason to worry.
Diagnosis requires excessive anxiety and worry for at least 6 months, with symptoms occurring more days than not.
At least 3 of the following symptoms must be present:
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Fatigue
- Concentration problems
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance

Excessive and persistent worry about everyday things, such as work, school, finances, relationships, and health concerns.
Physical symptoms include:
- Trembling or shaking
- Feeling of impending doom
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Headaches
Behavioral symptoms include:
- Avoidance behaviors
- Restlessness or fidgeting
- Difficulty concentrating

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps change negative thought patterns and behaviors
Medications include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Benzodiazepines (for short-term use)
Lifestyle changes:
- Regular exercise and relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
- Healthy sleep habits and nutrition
- Stress management and time management techniques

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurring panic attacks
Diagnostic criteria include:
- Recurring unexpected panic attacks and at least one of the following for 1 month or more:
  - Persistent concern about having another attack
  - Worry about the implications of the attack
  - Significant change in behavior related to the attacks

Panic attacks have:
- Sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort
- Peak within minutes and last for 15-30 minutes
- At least 4 of the following symptoms:
  - Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
  - Sweating
  - Trembling or shaking
  - Shortness of breath or feeling of choking
  - Nausea or abdominal distress
  - Feeling of impending doom or death
Agoraphobia is characterized by:
- Fear of being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing
- Avoidance of such situations or endurance with significant distress

Biological factors contributing to panic disorder:
- Genetic predisposition
- Brain chemistry imbalance
Psychological factors contributing to panic disorder:
- Stress
- Trauma
- Negative thinking patterns
Environmental factors contributing to panic disorder:
- Upbringing and childhood experiences
- Social and cultural influences

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) involves:
- Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns
- Learning relaxation techniques
- Gradual exposure to feared situations
Medications used to treat panic disorder:
- Antidepressants (SSRIs)
- Benzodiazepines (in some cases)
Lifestyle changes for managing panic disorder:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Stress management techniques

Characterized by excessive and persistent fear or anxiety about a specific object, situation, or activity
Type of anxiety disorder

Specific Phobia: Fear of specific objects, situations, or activities (e.g., spiders, heights, enclosed spaces)
Social Phobia: Fear of social or performance situations with possible scrutiny by others
Agoraphobia: Fear of situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing (e.g., shopping malls, public transportation)

Physical Symptoms: Panic, rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea
Psychological Symptoms: Avoidance of feared object/situation, anxiety, feelings of panic or dread

Genetics: Family history of anxiety disorders
Brain Chemistry: Imbalance of neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, GABA)
Environmental Factors: Traumatic experiences, learned behavior, cultural or social influences

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors
Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to feared object/situation to reduce anxiety
Medications: Antidepressants, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers to alleviate symptoms

Comorbid Mental Health Disorders: Depression, substance abuse, other anxiety disorders
Social and Occupational Impairment: Avoidance of social situations/activities leading to social isolation and occupational impairment