Generalised Anxiety Disorder

  • Generalised and persistent Anxiety not restricted to any particular situation or circumstance
  • most days for at least several weeks at a time
    • present for 6 months for ICD-10 diagnosis
  • community prevalence 1 yr 3%, lifetime 5%
  • female > male
  • inconsistent family association
  • onset adolescence or early adult
  • may be chronic course, worse at time of stress

History

  • apprehension
    • worries of future misfortunes
    • feeling 'on edge'
    • difficulty in concentrating

Examination

  • motor tension increased
    • restlessness
    • fidgeting
    • tension headaches
    • trembling
    • inability to relax
  • increased autonomic activity
    • lightheadedness
    • sweating
    • tachycardia
    • tachypnoea
    • epigastric discomfort
    • dizziness
    • dry mouth

Differential Diagnosis