Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent, excessive worry about multiple [Page 705]topics, which interferes with an individual’s occupational, school, social, or home functioning. Common topics of worry include daily activities; health, occupational, or academic responsibilities; current world events; or other ordinary, minor aspects of life. The worries are challenging to control and disproportional to the actual threat posed by the anxiety-provoking stimulus. GAD can occur throughout the lifespan. In children, GAD can be detrimental to academic and adaptive functioning and often negatively affects school performance. At times, children or adolescents with GAD may altogether avoid going to school, especially if exams or social interactions are triggers for their anxiety. Therefore, children or adolescents with GAD may appear to have an intellectual or learning ...