Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Diagnosis & Tests (Chronic Worry, GAD)

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Diagnosis & Tests
Category : Health Centers > Mental Health (Mental Disorders)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Alternate Names : Chronic Worry, GAD

Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

How is the condition diagnosed?

Physicians or mental healthcare providers usually diagnose an anxiety disorder. They will review the person's symptoms and conduct a complete mental health history and physical exam. This will help them rule out a physical cause. The doctor will also discuss lifestyle factors such as alcohol or drug use, stresses, recent life changes, medical illnesses, or relationship factors. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a person must have had symptoms of GAD most days for the past 6 months.

A thorough exam should include questions about the issues and events that increase the individual's anxiety. For example, the doctor may ask questions such as these:

What does the anxiety feel like?

How intense is it?

When and how often do feelings of anxiety occur?

What triggers the anxiety or aggravates it?

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms & Signs		Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Prevention & Expectations

Author: Ann Reyes, Ph.D.
Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed: 01/16/02

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