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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
11:18
Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
14.6K
[Generalized anxiety disorder]
J Plag1, S Schumacher, A Ströhle
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie , Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland, jens.plag@charite.de.
Der Nervenarzt
|August 15, 2014
Summary
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) significantly impacts life quality and increases comorbidity risks. Effective treatments include SSRIs, SNRIs, pregabalin, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), used alone or combined.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition affecting psychosocial functioning and quality of life.
- GAD is associated with increased risk of comorbid mental and somatic diseases.
- Characterized by excessive worry and somatic stress symptoms, GAD's pathogenesis involves neurobiological and psychological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current understanding of GAD's impact, pathogenesis, and treatment options.
- To highlight first-line therapeutic strategies for managing GAD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Review of neurobiological and psychological research on GAD.
- Analysis of clinical symptomatology and comorbidity patterns.
- Evaluation of established treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- GAD significantly impairs psychosocial functioning and quality of life.
- Pathogenesis involves alterations in limbic areas, monoaminergic transmission, and learning.
- First-line treatments include SSRIs, SNRIs, pregabalin, and CBT.
Conclusions:
- SSRIs, SNRIs, pregabalin, and CBT are recommended for GAD.
- Treatment choice depends on symptom severity, patient preference, and availability.
- Monotherapy or combination therapy with medication and CBT can be effective.
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