Generalised anxiety disorder

Question 1

What is GAD?

Answer 1

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that causes excessive and disproportional anxiety and worry that negatively impacts the persons everyday activity. Symptoms are present on a daily basis for months at a time.

Question 2

Assessment of GAD?

Answer 2

The GAD-7 anxiety questionnaire can help establish the severity of the diagnosis
Assess for co-morbid mental health problems, such as depression and obsessive compulsive disorder
Assess for environmental triggers and contributors, such as family relationships, friendships, bullies, school pressures, alcohol and drug use

Question 3

Management of GAD?

Answer 3

Mild anxiety can be managed with watchful waiting and advice about self-help strategies (e.g. meditation), diet, exercise and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and drugs.

Moderate to severe anxiety can be referred to CAMHS services to initiate:

Counselling
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Medical management. Usually an SSRI such as sertraline is considered.