What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

The diagnostic criteria for GAD as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5 (2013), published by the American Psychiatric Association, are paraphrased as follows:

A. Excessive anxiety and worry, occurring most days for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance).

B. The individual finds it difficult to control the worry.

C. At least three of the following occur:
Note: Only one item is required in children.

1. Restlessness
2. Easily fatigued
3. Problems concentrating or mind going blank
4. Irritability
5. Muscle tension
6. Problems with sleep (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep).

D. Symptoms cause significant distress or problems in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

E. Symptoms are not due to medications, drugs, other physical health problems.

F. Symptoms do not fit better with another psychiatric problem such as panic disorder.