GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)

Question 1

What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

Answer 1

• A type of anxiety disorder
• Characterised by excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life.
• That lasts for at least 6 months.
• Symptoms can cause sig distress or impariments to functioning.

Question 2

Name 2 cognitive (thought-related) symptoms of GAD?

Answer 2

1. Excessive worry about various aspects of life
2. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank

Question 3

Name 2 somatic symptoms (physical responses) of GAD?

Answer 3

1. Muscle tension and aches
2. Stomach discomfort (nausea)

Question 4

Name 2 psychological symptoms of GAD?

Answer 4

1. Irritability and mood swings
2. persistent nervousness

Question 5

Name 2 behavioural symptoms (actions and habits) of GAD?

Answer 5

1. Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety
2. Seeking reassurance from others frequently

Question 6

How can you explain GAD via Mowrer’s 2 process model (behavioural explanation)?

Answer 6

• Classical conditioning- anxiety develops through association (public spaces with anxiety)
• Operant conditioning- Anxiety is maintained through avoidance of feared situation (public spaces), which reduces anxiety, reinforcing the fear. (negative reinforcement)

Neg reinforcement- strengthing of a behaviour because it avoids an unpleasant sitiuation.

Question 7

What would be a biological treatment for GAD?

Answer 7

• DRUG THERAPY- SSRI’s such as fluoxetine or sertraline
• Why- low serotonin levels are linked to increased anxiety. SSRI’s increase serotonin by preventing its reuptake by the pre-synaptic neuron, regulating mood and worry.

benzodiazepines like Valium enhance GABA to reduce anxiety).

Question 8

What would be a pychological treatment for GAD?

Answer 8

• CBT
  1. Helps challenge and reframe irrational thoughts
  2. Develop coping strategies
  3. Reduce avoidance behaviours.

Effectiveness: Highly effective, longer-lasting than medication

Question 9

What are some biological explanations for GAD?

Answer 9

• Genetics= hereditary component.
• Neurotransmitters= Imbalances in GABA, serotonin and noradrenaline.
• **Candidate genes*= associated with anxiety COMT GENE AND HTTLPR/Serotonin transporter gene