Table 3

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 diagnostic criteria for generalised anxiety disorder1

  • Excessive anxiety and worry, occurring most days for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities, with the individual finding it difficult to control the worry

  • At least 3 additional symptoms must be present:

  • Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge

  • Being easily fatigued

  • Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank

  • Irritability

  • Muscle tension

  • Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep)

  • The anxiety, worry or physical symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning

  • Symptoms are not better explained by another medical condition, including another mental disorder, or by a substance