Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety & worries about several events or activities, most of the time for at least 6 months.
GAD is most common psychiatric illness in primary care but is often not recognised.
Epidemiology:
12 month Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders = 2.1% to 3.1%
Onset: Most cases have onset in later adolescence & early adulthood.
Onset is slightly earlier in females .
Clinical Features:
- Apprehension
- Restlessness
- Tension
- Difficulty in Concentration
- Irritability
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Dry Mouth
- Abdominal Discomfort
***Most common differential diagnosis is Depressive Disorder. Key depressive symptoms are Loss of interest, Loss of weight & Suicidal thoughts.
But GAD & Depression often occur together.