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Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)

Rhonda A. Faulkner, PhD and Daniella Davida Brutman, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Persistent, excessive, and difficult-to-control worry associated with significant symptoms of motor tension, autonomic hyperactivity, and/or disturbances of sleep or concentration

  • Sys...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Diagnosis is primarily through history. Pathologic anxiety must be distinguished from normal anxiety reactions. 
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  • DSM-5 criteria are as follows:

    • Symptoms of excessive anxiety and worr...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Assess for suicidality.

  • Identify and treat coexisting substance abuse and other psychiatric conditions.

  • Delayed treatment may result in poorer outcomes compared with treatment ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Follow up within 2 to 4 weeks from starting new medications.

  • Medications should be continued past the initial period of response and recommend co...

REFERENCES

1
Patel  G, Fancher  TL. In the clinic. Generalized anxiety disorder. Ann Intern Med.  2013;159(11):ITC6-1–ITC6-12. [View Abstract on OvidM...

SEE ALSO

Algorithms: Anxiety; Depressive Episode, Major 

CODES

ICD10

  • F41.1 Generalized anxiety disorder

SNOMED

  • 21897009 Generalized anxiety disorder

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Psychiatric comorbidities, especially depression, are common with GAD; patients are at increased risk for suicidality.

  • CBT and SSRIs/SNRIs are the treatments of choice.

  • Start medication ...

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