According to NICE guidelines, the identification and assessment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults involve a comprehensive approach rather than a strict list of diagnostic criteria NICE CG113.
Healthcare professionals should be alert to possible anxiety disorders, especially in individuals with a history of anxiety, somatic symptoms, or recent traumatic events NICE CG113. It is recommended to consider asking the person about their feelings of anxiety and their ability to stop or control worry, potentially using the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-2) NICE CG113.
The diagnosis of GAD should be considered in people presenting with anxiety or significant worry, particularly those who frequently attend primary care and have a chronic physical health problem, seek reassurance about somatic symptoms without a physical health problem (especially older people and minority ethnic groups), or repeatedly worry about a wide range of different issues NICE CG113. When a person seeks reassurance about a chronic physical health problem, somatic symptoms, or repeated worrying, it is important to consider with them whether some of their symptoms may be due to GAD NICE CG113.
A comprehensive assessment for people who may have GAD should be conducted, which considers not only the number, severity, and duration of symptoms but also the degree of distress and functional impairment NICE CG113. The diagnosis should be identified and communicated as early as possible to facilitate understanding and prompt treatment NICE CG113.