Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Youth

Clinical picture Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in youth is characterized by excessive and persistent worrying that often leads to significant distress and/or impairment. The worries in GAD occur more days than not for a period of at least 6 months and are difficult to control (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000; Tracey, Chorpita, Douban, & Barlow, 1997). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria also state that GAD in youth must be associated with at least one of the following physical symptoms: restlessness or feelings of being keyed up, easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances (APA, 2000). Additionally, the symptoms of GAD must not be better explained by another mental disorder or occur exclusively within another disorder, nor may they be due to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., caffeine) or a general medical condition (APA, 2000).