Criteria For Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), outlines specific criteria that must be met for the diagnosis of GAD. To be diagnosed with GAD, an individual must experience excessive anxiety and worry about a variety of events or situations for a majority of days over a six-month period. Additionally, the following criteria must be met:
Excessive Worry: The person experiences excessive and uncontrollable worry about various life circumstances, such as work, health, family, finances, or other situations. The worry is difficult to control and often feels overwhelming.
Physical Symptoms: The person experiences at least three of the following physical symptoms on most days during the same six-month period:
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Fatigue or easily becoming tired
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Irritability
Muscle tension
Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having restless sleep)
Functional Impairment: The excessive worry and physical symptoms cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Not Attributable to Another Condition: The symptoms cannot be better explained by the effects of a substance (such as drugs or medications) or another medical condition (such as hyperthyroidism).
Not Due to Other Mental Disorders: The excessive worry is not better explained by another mental disorder, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
It's important to note that GAD is a clinical diagnosis made by a qualified mental health professional based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual's symptoms, history, and functioning. Other conditions with similar symptoms, such as other anxiety disorders or medical conditions, should be ruled out during the assessment process.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of GAD, it's recommended to seek help from a mental health professional. Treatment options for GAD often include psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication, or a combination of both, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual's preferences.
Call or text 988 for the Suicide Prevention Hotline for Immediate Help.
Diane Gammon LPC-MHSP, CMHIMP, ASDCS, NCC, M.S.
Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider (TN; #4895) National Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#888025), Certified Integrated Medicine Nutritional Mental Health Professional and Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
Call, Text (615-556-8406) or Email Diane Gammon at Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to schedule an In-Person or Telehealth Secure (HIPPA Compliant) Video Counseling Session or to ask a question
Email: Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com
Dr. Dan Davidson DC, Chiropractor at The Back Resort in Salem Virginia
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