How is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) diagnosed?
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There are several steps in the process of diagnosing generalized anxiety disorder. Doctors routinely conduct a physical examination to rule out medical problems that may be causing your anxiety. A psychological test is usually given to eliminate other causes. Health care professionals may also ask a series of questions related to the symptoms experienced. The final diagnosis is made if you meet the specific criteria for GAD listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which include experiencing severe anxiety for a minimum of six months, not feeling in control of your anxiety, and having your worries get in the way of your daily routine.
There are several steps in the process of diagnosing generalized anxiety disorder. Doctors routinely conduct a physical examination to rule out medical problems that may be causing your anxiety. A psychological test is usually given to eliminate... More -
Dr. Ramani Durvasula answered:Anxiety about a variety of issues, more days than not for 6 months or longer. And at a level that results in some social and occupational impairment - meaning that the person finds it difficult to control the worry and that the worry gets in the way of relating with others and getting things done. The key here is that the anxiety is about a wide variety of issues. For example- if the person is experiencing a grave financial crisis and finds himself worrying about finances most of the time - but doesn't find that the worry generalizes to other circumstances - we are less likely to generate this diagnosis.
The key elements then are (a) anxiety about a variety of situations; (b) more days than not; (c) for 6 months or longer; (d) the worry is difficult to control; (e) and the anxiety is at a level that interferes with daily functioning.
It can be diagnosed via a clinical interview that assesses all of these areas.Anxiety about a variety of issues, more days than not for 6 months or longer. And at a level that results in some social and occupational impairment - meaning that the person finds it difficult to control the worry and that... More -
Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is generally made when:
- Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) occur for at least six months about several events or activities.
- There is difficulty controlling the worry.
- Anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following: restlessness or feeling on edge, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance (with these symptoms present for more days than not for the past six months).
- Anxiety and worry are not due to substance abuse or another medical or mental disorder.
Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is generally made when: Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) occur for at least six months about... More
