Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – DSM-5 Criteria & Treatment

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, symptoms, neurobiology, and evidence-based treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A mental disorder characterized by excessive, chronic anxiety and worry about multiple events or activities.

Minimum Duration Criterion (GAD)

At least 6 consecutive months of excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not.

Worry Content Criterion (GAD)

The worry must concern multiple life domains (e.g., work, school performance, health, finances).

Adult Symptom Count Criterion (GAD)

Three or more of the six specified somatic / cognitive symptoms are required in adults.

DSM-5 GAD Physical/Cognitive Symptoms

Restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance.

Child Symptom Criterion (GAD)

Only one of the six DSM-5 symptoms is required for diagnosis in children.

Core Difference: GAD vs. Panic Disorder

GAD presents with persistent, diffuse worry; Panic Disorder features sudden, intense panic attacks.

Amygdala (role in GAD)

Brain structure linked to exaggerated threat detection and hyper-reactivity in GAD.

Intolerance of Uncertainty

A cognitive tendency to react negatively to ambiguous situations, maintaining GAD worry.

Cognitive Avoidance

Mental strategies (e.g., excessive worrying) used to avoid emotional processing of feared outcomes in GAD.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for GAD

First-line psychological treatment that targets maladaptive thoughts and behaviors sustaining anxiety.

First-line Pharmacotherapy for GAD

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as sertraline, paroxetine, or venlafaxine.