Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

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Schizoaffective Disorder is characterized by the presence of a generally continuous psychotic illness plus intermittent mood episodes. Mood episodes are present for the majority of the total duration of the illness, which can include either one or both of the following: major depressive episode (must include depressed mood) and manic episode. The disorder resembles criterion A of the schizophrenia diagnosis. It requires at least two of the following symptoms, for at least one month: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms. The occurrence of the delusions or hallucinations must be in the absence of any serious mood symptoms for at least 2 weeks. The mood disorder, however, …show more content…
It is considered a “free floating anxiety.” About four million adult Americans have this disorder and about twice as many women as men have it. This disorder comes on gradually and can begin across the life cycle, though the risk is highest between childhood and middle age. It is diagnosed when someone spends at least six months worrying excessively about a number of everyday problems. A few symptoms of GAD are constant worrying or obsession about small or large concerns, restlessness and feeling keyed up or on edge, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, trembling, trouble sleeping, sweating, nauseas or diarrhea, and or shortness of breath. A few somatic complaints are sweating, pounding heart, upset stomach, frequent urination, cold hands, dry mouth, and shortness of breath. Living with generalized anxiety disorder can be a long term challenge. In many cases, it occurs along with other anxiety or mood disorders. In most cases, GAD improves with medications or psychotherapy. Children can be diagnosed with this disorder. A child with this disorder may feel overly anxious to fit in, be a perfectionist, lack confidence, require a lot of reassurance, and often redo task. Risk factors for GAD include being female, childhood adversity, illness, stress, personality, genetics and substance

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