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Generalized anxiety disorder: neurobiological and pharmacotherapeutic perspectives.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Connor, KM; Davidson, JR
Published in: Biol Psychiatry
December 15, 1998

The concept of generalized anxiety has evolved over many years, from initial descriptions of "anxiety neurosis" to recognition of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as a clinical entity included in the 3rd edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) in 1980. Since 1980, the definition of GAD has undergone further change, with modifications in the salience of autonomic and panic like symptoms, duration, and allowance of comorbidity. The importance of these historical considerations lies in the fact that most of our current knowledge about GAD rests on outdated definitions, including most of the literature pertaining to treatment. Indeed, we cannot be sure that the DSM-III definition of GAD bears resemblance to the current concept, and these differences may have profound implications for findings from research. The following two-part report comprises i) a review of the basic neurobiology of GAD, with reference to serotonergic, noradrenergic, neuroendocrine, autonomic imaging, and other systems; and ii) an overview of the current status of pharmacotherapy for GAD.

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Published In

Biol Psychiatry

DOI

ISSN

0006-3223

Publication Date

December 15, 1998

Volume

44

Issue

12

Start / End Page

1286 / 1294

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Psychiatry
  • Humans
  • Brain Chemistry
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • 52 Psychology
  • 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences
  • 31 Biological sciences
  • 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
 

Citation

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Connor, K. M., & Davidson, J. R. (1998). Generalized anxiety disorder: neurobiological and pharmacotherapeutic perspectives. Biol Psychiatry, 44(12), 1286–1294. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3223(98)00285-6
Connor, K. M., and J. R. Davidson. “Generalized anxiety disorder: neurobiological and pharmacotherapeutic perspectives.Biol Psychiatry 44, no. 12 (December 15, 1998): 1286–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3223(98)00285-6.
Connor KM, Davidson JR. Generalized anxiety disorder: neurobiological and pharmacotherapeutic perspectives. Biol Psychiatry. 1998 Dec 15;44(12):1286–94.
Connor, K. M., and J. R. Davidson. “Generalized anxiety disorder: neurobiological and pharmacotherapeutic perspectives.Biol Psychiatry, vol. 44, no. 12, Dec. 1998, pp. 1286–94. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/s0006-3223(98)00285-6.
Connor KM, Davidson JR. Generalized anxiety disorder: neurobiological and pharmacotherapeutic perspectives. Biol Psychiatry. 1998 Dec 15;44(12):1286–1294.
Journal cover image

Published In

Biol Psychiatry

DOI

ISSN

0006-3223

Publication Date

December 15, 1998

Volume

44

Issue

12

Start / End Page

1286 / 1294

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Psychiatry
  • Humans
  • Brain Chemistry
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • 52 Psychology
  • 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences
  • 31 Biological sciences
  • 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences