Anxiety Disorder: Generalised

Question 1

What is the definition of generalised anxiety disorder?

Answer 1

Anxiety that is generalised and persistent but not restricted to, or even strongly predominating in, any particular environmental circumstance.

Question 2

What is the typical age of onset of generalised anxiety disorder?

Answer 2

20-40

Question 3

What are the clinical features of generalised anxiety disorder?

Answer 3

Nervousness
Trembling
Muscular tensions
Sweating
Lightheadedness
Palpitations
Epigastric discomfort
Fears of personal/relative illness/accident
Sleep disturbance
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating

Question 4

What are the ICD-11 criteria for generalised anxiety disorder?

Answer 4

Apprehension
Motor tension
Autonomic overactivity

Question 5

How long must symptoms be present to be diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder?

Answer 5

Most days for at least 6 months

Question 6

What is the management of generalised anxiety disorder?

Answer 6

1) Self-help/psychoeducation groups
2) CBT or drug treatment with SSRI (eg sertraline) (consider short term benzodiazepines < 2 weeks)
3) SNRI eg duloxetine
5) Pregabalin