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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
Physicians or mental healthcare providers usually diagnose an anxiety disorder. They will review the person's symptoms and conduct a complete mental health history and physical exam. This will help them rule out a physical cause. The doctor will also discuss lifestyle factors such as alcohol or drug use, stresses, recent life changes, medical illnesses, or relationship factors. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a person must have had symptoms of GAD most days for the past 6 months.
A thorough exam should include questions about the issues and events that increase the individual's anxiety. For example, the doctor may ask questions such as these: