A study of worry and functional somatic symptoms in generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract

ObjectiveTo study the phenomenon of worry and functional somatic symptoms in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Method40 subjects with the diagnosis of GAD were assessed by using Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) and Bradford Somatic Inventory (BSI). Severity of GAD was rated on Generalized Anxiety Disorder -7 (GAD-7) scale. ResultsThe mean total score on PSWQ was 59.62. All patients had somatic symptoms and the minimum number of somatic symptoms noted in a patient was 11 and maximum was 38. Seventy-five percent of the patients had more than 22 somatic symptoms as per BSI. Majority of the patients (90%) scored more than 10 on GAD-7 scale. ConclusionFuture nosological systems should not limit assessment of somatic symptoms to a list of 6 symptoms only in patients with GAD and should try to operationalise the definition of excessive worry by taking into consideration the common types of worries.