Into the DSM-IV - Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is diagnosed when a person suffers from excessive anxiety and worry that takes place for more than half the days in a 6 month time period. Furthermore, the anxiety causes impairment in social, occupational or other areas of functioning. Criteria for this diagnosis includes at least three of the following:

• Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge


• Easily fatigued


• Difficulty concentrating


• Irritability


• Muscle tension


• Sleep disturbance

Risk Factors

• Having a comorbid DSM-IV disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder is often diagnosed in those who have another anxiety disorder, a mood disorder or substance-related disorder


• Having a family member who suffers with Generalized Anxiety Disorder


• Being female (it is twice as common in women)


• Having a history of frequent losses or severe childhood fears


• Having a poor psychological disposition (irrational thinking, negative thinking, overgeneralizing)


• Being neurotic or excessively conscientious


• Experiencing a number of overly stressful life events

Protective Factors

• Healthy childhood development


• Appropriate parental attachments


• Strong social supports


• Knowledge and use of stress management techniques


• Optimism and self-confidence


• Psychotherapy: behavioral approaches involving coping skills, relaxation and medication