title: Generalized anxiety disorder: comorbidity, comparative biology and treatment.
abstract: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a severe and chronic anxiety disorder characterized by uncontrollable worrying and somatic anxiety (tension, insomnia and hypervigilance). It is a common condition, with lifetime prevalence rates for DSM-IV GAD in the general population of approx. 5-6% being reported. In addition, like other anxiety disorders, GAD also shows comorbidity with depression and most of the other anxiety disorders. This article reviews data on the prevalence of GAD, its comorbidity with depression, and its social and economic impact. Proposed neurobiological mechanisms for GAD are discussed, since an understanding of these may help in the development of future therapies. Finally, current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for GAD are reviewed, with particular attention being paid to published clinical-trial data.
authors.affiliation: School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK. David.J.Nutt@bristol.ac.uk
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Nutt
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ballenger
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sheehan
authors.forename: Hans-Ulrich
authors.initials: HU
authors.lastname: Wittchen
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D011613:Psychotherapy
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents