Tests for Anxiety Disorder

Several tests are used to diagnose generalized anxiety disorder, including the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. However, this scale does not address the current definition of generalized anxiety disorder, which is typically diagnosed after meeting criteria defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Diagnosis

• In order to correctly diagnose generalized anxiety disorder, a mental health provider must perform an extensive evaluation, involving detailed questioning about a patient's symptoms and medical history. This test is intended to rule out other conditions, and it may involve a physical examination.

Criteria

• Generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed when a patient exhibits excessive anxiety about events and activities for at least six months, in addition to significant distress that interferes with daily life. This anxiety must not be related to another mental health condition.

Symptoms

• A patient must have at least three of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder: restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and trouble sleeping.

Related Disorders

• Generalized anxiety disorder can be difficult to diagnose due to its frequent coupling with other mental health problems, which may include phobias, panic disorder, depression, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Physical Causes

• Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can be the result of physical health conditions, such as menopause, hypothyroidism, heart disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Further Testing

• If a health provider suspects a medical cause for a patient's anxiety, the patient may have to undergo blood and urine testing for indications of physical problems.