Diseases
generalized anxiety disorder
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
It's normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful. However, excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder.
Symptoms
- overthinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case outcomes
- perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they aren't
- difficulty handling uncertainty
- indecisiveness and fear of making the wrong decision
- inability to set aside or let go of a worry
Causes
- differences in brain chemistry and function
- genetics
- differences in the way threats are perceived
Risk factors
- personality. a person whose temperament is timid
- genetics. generalized anxiety disorder may run in families.
- experiences
Diagnosis
- order blood or urine tests or other tests, if a medical condition is suspected
- ask detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history
- use the criteria listed in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disor
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
It's normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful. However, excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder.
What are the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?
overthinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case outcomes, perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they aren't, difficulty handling uncertainty, indecisiveness and fear of making the wrong decision, inability to set aside or let go of a worry
What causes generalized anxiety disorder?
differences in brain chemistry and function; genetics; differences in the way threats are perceived
Which medicines are used for generalized anxiety disorder?
citalopram, duloxetine, escitalopram, paroxetine, venlafaxine
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.