Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Definition
Criteria for GAD (≥3, ≥6mo)
B lank mind
E asily fatigued
S leep disturbance
K eyed up (restlessness)
I rritability
M uscle tension
Epidemiology
Aetiology
Treatment
Non-Pharmacological
Prognosis
Source
Toronto Notes 2012
Criteria for GAD (≥3, ≥6mo)
B lank mind
E asily fatigued
S leep disturbance
K eyed up (restlessness)
I rritability
M uscle tension
Epidemiology
- 1-yr prevalence: 3-8%; F.M: 2:1
- Most commonly presents in early adulthood
Aetiology
- Genetics
- Social stressors
Treatment
Non-Pharmacological
- Lifestyle: caffeine and EtOH avoidance, sleep hygiene
- Psychological: psychotherapy, relaxation, mindfulness, and CBT
- SSRI (1st line)
- Benzodiazepines (short term, low dose, regular schedule, long half-life, no prn)
- Buspirone (tid dosing)
- Others: SNRI, TCAs, B-blockers
- Avoid bupropion due to stimulating effects
Prognosis
- Chronically anxious adults become less so with age
- Depends on pre-morbid personality functioning, stability of relationships, work, and severity of environmental stress
- Difficult to treat
Source
Toronto Notes 2012