Anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychiatric disorders. Many patients with anxiety disorders have physical symptoms related to anxiety and subsequently visit their primary care providers. Despite the high prevalence rates of these anxiety disorders, they often are underrecognized and undertreated clinical problems. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry that is not focused on a specific object or situation. GAD has symptoms that are similar to those of other anxiety-based conditions, including panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
All anxiety disorders have high rates of comorbidity with major depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug abuse.
These disorders may contribute to morbidity and mortality through neuroendocrine and neuroimmune mechanisms or by direct neural stimulation (eg, hypertension or cardiac arrhythmia). Chronic anxiety may be associated with increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
How much do you know about GAD, including key elements of presentation, workup, and treatment? Refresh and assess your knowledge with this quick quiz.
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Cite this: Stephen Soreff. Fast Five Quiz: Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Medscape - Sep 20, 2018.
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