Condition

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Editors: Brandon S. Hamm MD, MS; Zbigniew Fedorowicz PhD, MSc, DPH, BDS, LDSRCS; Alexander Rae-Grant MD, FRCPC, FAAN

American College of PhysiciansProduced in collaboration with American College of Physicians
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Background Information

Description

  • Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by chronic, unfocused, excessive worry and stress that is associated with clinically significant distress or functional impairment. It is often accompanied by insomnia, restlessness, muscle tension, and fatigue.
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Also Called

  • GAD
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DynaMed Levels of Evidence

Quickly find and determine the quality of the evidence.

DynaMed provides easy-to-interpret Level of Evidence labels so users can quickly find and determine the quality of the best available evidence. Evidence may be labeled in one of three levels:

1Level 1 (likely reliable) Evidence
Representing research results addressing clinical outcomes and meeting an extensive set of quality criteria which minimizes bias.
There are two types of conclusions which can earn a Level 1 label: levels of evidence for conclusions derived from individual studies and levels of evidence for conclusions regarding a body of evidence.
2Level 2 (mid-level) Evidence
Representing research results addressing clinical outcomes, and using some method of scientific investigation, but not meeting the quality criteria to achieve Level 1 evidence labeling.
3Level 3 (lacking direct) Evidence
Representing reports that are not based on scientific analysis of clinical outcomes. Examples include case series, case reports, expert opinion, and conclusions extrapolated indirectly from scientific studies.

Grades of Recommendation

Guideline producers are now frequently using classification approaches for their evidence and recommendations, and these classifications are recognized and requested by guideline users. When summarizing guideline recommendations for DynaMed users, the DynaMed Editors are using the guideline-specific classifications and providing guideline classification approach when this is done.

Download the full version of Levels of Evidence