Generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract

Generalized anxiety disorder is a common psychiatric illness with a lifetime prevalence of 5% and is characterized by constant, groundless, unrealistic and exaggerated anxiety and fear. Etiological explanations include early childhood trauma, recent life events, faulty conditioning, genetic factors and neurobiological changes. The treatment methods mainly used are antidepressant medication, e.g. with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), and cognitive behavior therapy. With adequate treatment, full remission can be achieved in most cases.