Generalized worry disorder: a review of DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder and options for DSM-V

✍ Scribed by Gavin Andrews; Megan J. Hobbs; Thomas D. Borkovec; Katja Beesdo; Michelle G. Craske; Richard G. Heimberg; Ronald M. Rapee; Ayelet Meron Ruscio; Melinda A. Stanley

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2010
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 168 KB
• Volume: 27
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1091-4269
• DOI: 10.1002/da.20658

✦ Synopsis

Background: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has undergone a series of substantial classificatory changes since its first inclusion in DSM-III. The majority of these revisions have been in response to its poor inter-rater reliability and concerns that it may lack diagnostic validity. This article provides options for the revision of the DSM-IV GAD criteria for DSM-V. Method: First, searches were conducted to identify the evidence that previous DSM Work Groups relied upon when revising the DSM-III-R GAD and the overanxious disorder classifications. Second, the literature pertaining to the DSM-IV criteria for GAD was examined. Conclusions: The review presents a number of options to be considered for DSM-V. One option is for GAD to be re-labeled in DSM-V as generalized worry disorder. This would reflect its hallmark feature. Proposed revisions would result in a disorder that is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry generalized to a number of events or activities for 3 months or more. Worry acts as a cognitive coping strategy that manifests in avoidant behaviors. The reliability and validity of the proposed changes could be investigated in DSM-V validity tests and field trials. Depression and Anxiety 27:134-147, 2010.