Diagnosis of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A diagnosis is made via a medical professional’s evaluation based on specific criteria.

For a medical professional to diagnose generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), an individual must experience worry or anxiety that:

• Is excessive;
• Concerns a number of activities and events; and
• Is present more days than not for six (6) months or longer.

In addition, the individual must have three (3) or more of the following symptoms:

• Restlessness or a keyed-up or on-edge feeling;
• A tendency to tire easily;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• Irritability;
• Muscle tension; and/or
• Disturbed sleep.

Before diagnosing GAD, medical professionals do a physical examination.

They may perform blood or other tests to make sure the symptoms are not caused by a physical disorder or use of a drug.