Generalized anxiety disorder in a nonclinical sample of children: Symptom presentation and predictors of impairment

Abstract

Presentation of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in a nonclinical sample of children (7–11 years old) and factors that predict overall impairment were examined. Symptom presentation was compared in children with GAD (n = 49) and anxious children without GAD (n = 42). Children with GAD endorsed significantly more worries, greater intensity of worries, and more DSM-IV associated symptoms than anxious children without GAD. Eighty-six percent of children with GAD had a comorbid diagnosis with 4% having a depressive disorder. Number of associated symptoms was most predictive of GAD impairment based on child perspective and intensity of worry was most predictive based on clinician perspective. Overall, findings from the current study are consistent with reports based on clinical samples. The DSM-IV-TR criteria for GAD were supported, with the exception that children with GAD typically present with several associated symptoms, rather than only one.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the Proposed Associated Symptoms Criterion Change for DSM-5 in a Treatment-Seeking Sample of Anxious Youth

“…10 From a sensitivity standpoint, similar to previous GAD research with children 17,18 there was strong support in the present sample for the inclusion of restlessness as an associated symptom. However, from a sensitivity standpoint there was weak support for the inclusion of muscle tension, which showed the lowest prevalence among GAD cases and the least favorable sensitivity properties across the DSM-IV associated symptoms.…”

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

“…[40,41,63] Children experiencing GAD symptoms also worry more pervasively than children experiencing symptoms of other anxiety disorders and nonanxious controls. [28,[64][65][66] They do however worry about the same events/ activities, including personal health, family, and school, as nonanxious children but at a greater intensity. [67][68][69] Reports since the release of DSM-IV are consistent with these findings upon which the DSM-IV Anxiety Work Group adult criteria reviews relied.…”

Anxiety Disorders and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Update

“…A similar rate of comorbidity of 86% was found in a nonclinical sample of 49 youth diagnosed with GAD. 19 There were differences in the pattern of comorbidity between the clinical and nonclinical samples. Depression was diagnosed in 56% of the clinical sample and was the most common comorbid disorder.…”

“…Common domains of worry in children with GAD include health of significant others, personal performance, family matters, and world issues. 19 Because the number of associated symptoms differentiates DSM-IV-TR criteria for GAD in children and adults, this domain has been an area of interest. Research has consistently shown that youth diagnosed with GAD typically endorse more than one associated symptom.…”

“…Research has consistently shown that youth diagnosed with GAD typically endorse more than one associated symptom. 19,20 Three studies 19,21,22 show that restlessness is the most common and muscle tension is the least common associated symptom endorsed by youth with GAD.…”