Generalized Anxiety Disorder Flashcards
(111 cards)
What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Excessive and persistent worrying that is hard to control, causes significant distress or impairment, and occurs on more days than not for at least six months.
What are common predictors (risk factors) of incident GAD?
- Female sex
- Poverty
- Recent adverse life events
- Unmarried status
- Chronic physical illness (respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, cognitive)
- Chronic mental disorder (depression, phobia, past GAD)
- Parental loss or separation
- Low affective support during childhood
- History of mental problems in parents
What screening tool is used for generalized anxiety disorder?
The generalized anxiety disorder seven-item (GAD-7) scale.
What is the significance of a GAD-7 score of 10 or more?
It has good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.
How are greater GAD-7 scores related to functional impairment?
Greater GAD-7 scores correlate with more functional impairment.
On what criteria was the GAD-7 scale developed and validated?
Based on DSM-IV criteria.
How often have you been bothered by feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge? (GAD-7)
Respond with: Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day.
What is the total score range for the GAD-7?
0 to 21.
What do scores of 5, 10, and 15 represent in the GAD-7?
- 5 - Mild anxiety
- 10 - Moderate anxiety
- 15 - Severe anxiety
Does the GAD-7 have utility for disorders other than GAD?
Yes, it has moderately good operating characteristics for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
What is the recommended cutoff for further evaluation when screening for anxiety disorders using the GAD-7?
A score of 10 or greater.
What is the primary characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Presence of generalized, persistent, and excessive anxiety.
GAD involves a combination of psychological and somatic complaints.
How long must excessive anxiety and worry occur to meet the DSM-5 criteria for GAD?
More days than not for at least six months.
This anxiety must be about a number of events or activities.
What does criterion B of the DSM-5 for GAD state?
Difficult to control the worry.
This reflects the uncontrollable nature of the anxiety experienced.
What are the six symptoms associated with anxiety and worry in GAD, represented by I CREST?
- Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge (R)
- Being easily fatigued or loss of energy (E)
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank (C)
- Irritability (I)
- Muscle tension (T)
- Sleep disturbance (S)
Only one symptom is required in children.
What is criterion D of the DSM-5 for GAD?
Causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
This highlights the impact of GAD on daily life.
What must be excluded to diagnose GAD according to criterion E?
Not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition.
Examples include drug abuse, hyperthyroidism, etc.
What does criterion F of the DSM-5 for GAD specify?
Not better explained by another mental disorder.
This ensures that GAD is diagnosed independently.
What are some clinical manifestations of GAD?
- Difficulty relaxing
- Headaches and pain in the neck, shoulders, and back
- GIT symptoms
These manifestations can vary among individuals.
What percentage of individuals with current GAD had at least one concurrent disorder?
66%.
Common concurrent disorders include social phobia, panic disorder, and substance abuse.
What are some health risks associated with GAD?
- Poor cardiovascular health
- Coronary heart disease
- Increased blood pressure
These risks highlight the physical health implications of GAD.
What medical conditions must be excluded when diagnosing GAD?
- Endocrine conditions (e.g., hyperthyroidism)
- Cardiopulmonary conditions (e.g., arrhythmia)
- Neurologic diseases (e.g., temporal lobe epilepsy)
- Other psychiatric disorders
- Substance effects (e.g., caffeine)
This ensures that the symptoms are not due to other medical issues.
