What's the use of worrying? Its function and its dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of theory and research regarding the phenomenology and function of worry.


METHODS
A systematic literature search focusing on conceptualizations of worry as a cognitive activity and worry research over the last 20 years was conducted.


RESULTS
Worry can be both functional and dysfunctional. Disruption to daily functioning, perceived uncontrollability, pervasiveness and extensive coverage of worry themes (including "remote" events and the presence of meta-worry), all have specificity to more severe and dysfunctional worry.


CONCLUSIONS
Research investigating both the relationship between worry and anxiety and the attributes of severe worriers, has brought attention to its role in fostering emotional disturbance and has clarified factors relevant to treatment.
Gladstone
Gemma
G
School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Mood Disorders Unit, Black Dog Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia. g.gladstone@unsw.edu.au
Parker
Gordon
G
D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans