Generalized anxiety disorder

Cornell notes

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

🌟 Cues

What is anxiety?
How does normal anxiety differ from abnormal anxiety?
What are the etiological factors and epidemiology of GAD?
What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders?
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
How is GAD diagnosed and assessed?
What are the management strategies for GAD?
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

🗒 Notes

Definition of Anxiety

Normal emotion; can be adaptive. Examples of normal anxiety: exams, medical investigations, job interviews.

Abnormal Anxiety

Excessive intensity, continues beyond danger exposure, triggered by harmless situations, uncontrollable, causes distress, and impairs functioning.

Pathologic Anxiety

Symptoms are excessive and irrational, persistent and maladaptive.

Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Constant worries
Pervasive apprehension
Irritability
Need for certainty

Cognitive Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Worries
Expectations of incapacity
Impaired cognition
Intrusive anxious thoughts

Behavioral Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Inability to relax
Procrastination
Avoidance of anxiety-inducing situations

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Trembling
Sweating
Shortness of breath
Muscle tension
Sleep disturbances

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Separation anxiety disorder
Agoraphobia
Selective mutism
Generalized anxiety disorder
Specific phobia
Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder

Characteristics of GAD

Excessive worry about life circumstances, free-floating anxiety, and diagnosis requires at least six months of symptoms.

Diagnostic Criteria

A: Excessive anxiety for more than 6 months.
B: Difficulty controlling worry.
C: Associated with 3+ symptoms (restlessness, fatigue, concentration issues, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbances).
D: Significant distress or impairment in functioning.
E: Not due to substances or another medical condition.
F: Not better explained by another mental disorder.

Epidemiology

Lifetime prevalence: 5%, more common in women (2:1), genetic factors involved.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Genetic predisposition
Brain chemistry imbalance (serotonin, noradrenaline, GABA)
Environmental factors
Substance-induced anxiety (caffeine, alcohol)

Management of GAD

Rule out medical causes
Lifestyle changes (diet, sleep, exercise)
Medications (SSRIs, buspirone, limited benzodiazepines)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Components of CBT

Education: Understanding GAD and worry types.
Monitoring: Identify triggers and episode severity.
Physical Control Strategies: Relaxation techniques.
Behavioral Strategies: Confront fears instead of avoiding.
Cognitive Control Strategies: Challenge negative thoughts.

📝 Summary

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various life circumstances. It differs from normal anxiety in its intensity, duration, and impact on functioning. Diagnosis requires a thorough assessment based on specific criteria, including associated symptoms. Management strategies encompass lifestyle changes, medications, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on understanding anxiety, monitoring triggers, and developing coping strategies. Understanding the various aspects and implications of GAD is crucial for effective treatment and support.