User:Mr. Ibrahem/Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive and difficult to control worry about events or activities. Other symptoms may include muscle tension, irritability, tiredness, trouble concentrating, and trouble sleeping. These issues are to a degree that impaired functioning or significant distress occurs. Onset is often gradual. Complications may include heart disease and suicide.

Risk factors may include psychological stress, genetics, and substance misuse. It is a type of anxiety disorder. The GAD-7 may be used to help make the diagnosis and determine severity. Diagnosis requires at least six months of symptoms.

Treatment may include a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications. Medications which may be useful include duloxetine, pregabalin, venlafaxine, and escitalopram. Other medications that may be used include buspirone, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. Long term outcomes are mixed.

About 0.4 to 3.6% of people are affected in a given year, and 4 to 9% of people are affected at some point in their life. It is most common in those between the ages of 30 and 60. It is twice as common in women as men. The condition was first introduced in the DSM-III in 1980, before which it was see as a part of anxiety neurosis.