Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by intense and uncontrollable anxiety. What is meant by intense is that the reaction to the situation in question is excessive, and what is meant by uncontrollable is that the person cannot stop these feelings when anxiety/worry starts. Therefore, from developmentally observed anxiety/anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is distinguished by the unrealistic nature of anxiety and its long-term persistence. For a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, intense anxiety must impair daily functioning and must last for at least 6 months. Its prevalence varies between 2.7% and 4.6%.
Often, anxiety in GAD is not limited to one area. Anxieties typically observed in children and adolescents with GAD are competence, approval, and the relevance of their past behavior. Future events, new or unfamiliar environments are other causes of anxiety. There may be concerns about completing a task on time. Children with GAD are usually perfectionists and obey the rules of society; They may be described by adults as stubborn or rigid (inflexible). Children and adolescents with GAD often need to be appeased by others, but this may do some short-term relief in reducing anxiety.
Although patients may experience increased motor tension and vigilance, only one symptom is required for children (3 symptoms in adults). Somatic symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain and sleep difficulties are common. In general, patients are reported to be tense, irritable, and excited, especially before an important event. The more anxiety, especially in children, the greater the irritability.
TREATMENT
Successful results are obtained with psychotherapy and drug treatment.
