Describe the clinical picture in Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Discuss the etiology and treatment of GAD.
Answers
Anxiety disorders can be disabling and distressing and can lead to social isolation and reduction of quality of life. Understanding the cause of anxiety and accurate diagnosis are key to effective treatment
Anxiety disorders are a group of common mental health illnesses that can present alone or in combination with other psychiatric conditions (typically depression) or physical comorbidities. Short-term anxiety is a natural emotional response that can help drive performance and improve alertness; however, when anxiety becomes prolonged or severe it can be distressing and disabling.
Prevalence
Pooled analysis of European populations suggests that approximately one in five people will fit the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder at some point in their adult lives.1 Specific phobias have a lifetime prevalence of 13.2% and are the most common anxiety disorder. This is followed by social anxiety disorder (5.8%) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD; 5.1%).2 In general, twice as many women than men are affected by anxiety; however, this ratio varies between disorders. Although anxiety disorders can occur at any age, many patients develop symptoms during childhood that tend to persist if left untreated.