Generalized anxiety disorder - An important clinical concern

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common disorder that usually follows a chronic course, and it is frequently associated with extensive psychiatric and medical comorbidity. CAD often presents in primary care settings and is usually accompanied with a wide variety of somatic symptoms that may complicate its recognition. The development of this disorder has been associated with psychosocial factors and neurobiological abnormalities. GAD has been associated with a great degree of impairment, and patients with GAD usually show high service use. Regarding treatment, the most effective psychosocial approach to date seems to be cognitive behavioral therapy, and antidepressants have emerged as the most promising pharmacological tool.