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The Criteria for GAD

GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder, is a psychological disorder in which someone has excessive anxiety. To receive a diagnosis of GAD, a person must meet specific diagnostic criteria as described in the DSM-IV, the manual mental health professionals use to diagnose mental health disorders.

  1. Excessive Anxiety

    • People with GAD have excessive anxiety about many things that persists for at least six months. They have a hard time controlling their anxiety. The anxiety is not caused by any other psychological disorder or any medical disorder.

    Symptoms

    • People with GAD have at least three of the following symptoms: restlessness, irritability, tiring easily, trouble concentration, tense muscles and trouble sleeping. They have those symptoms more often than not for at least six months.

    Distress or Impairment

    • The anxiety causes considerable distress or marked impairment on the job or in social situations. The problem goes beyond simply causing some discomfort; it interferes with the ability to function in day-to-day life.

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