Andrews, Gavin

Hobbs, Megan J

Borkovec, Thomas D

Beesdo, Katja

Craske, Michelle G

Heimberg, Richard G

Rapee, Ronald M

Ruscio, Ayelet Meron

Stanley, Melinda A

2010-02

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(2), p. 134-147

1520-6394

1091-4269

20058241

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/28783

en

John Wiley & Sons, Inc

Generalized Worry Disorder: A Review of DSM-IV Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Options for DSM-V

Journal Article

Publication