Psychology
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
A condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life, causing significant clinical distress.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Excessive worry occurring most days for at least six months
- Difficulty controlling the worry
- Restlessness or feeling keyed up
- Easily fatigued and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension and sleep disturbances
Management Strategies
- Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation
- Encourage cognitive reframing of irrational worries
- Provide a structured environment to reduce uncertainty
- Monitor for substance use as a maladaptive coping mechanism
- Administer anxiolytics as ordered while monitoring for sedation
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