Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized as a disorder of excessive worry that is experienced as uncontrollable, chronic, and leading to significant impairments. Historically, GAD has been the least clearly defined of the anxiety disorders, which has led to problems with clinical conceptualization and diagnostic reliability. Much research has been conducted to clarify the nature, etiology, and maintaining mechanisms of GAD. This entry reviews current conceptualizations of GAD, including underlying genetic, environmental, interpersonal, cognitive, emotional, and neurobiological factors that may lead to or maintain pathological worry symptoms. Research suggests that emotional hyperreactivity and emotional contrast avoidance may reinforce worry patterns. Current treatments, including pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, are also presented, and areas for future research are discussed.