Learn about these two common mental health conditions and the differences between them.
Panic disorder often causesexcessive worryabout having another panic attack, creating a vicious cycle.
Characteristics of GAD
Themain feature of GADis excessive and pervasive worry about everyday life events.
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This worry is difficult to control, and the worrisome thoughts can become unmanageable.
With GAD, a person may have physical symptoms, but they differ from those with panic disorder.
Coexistence of Conditions
It is possible to have both panic disorder and GAD.
The earlier the diagnosis is made and treatment begins, the better.
If you have symptoms of panic disorder, GAD, or both, talk to your healthcare provider.
Reaching out is often the hardest step, but you’ll be happy that you did.
Find out which option is the best for you.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
2015 May 1;91(9):617-24.
Stein MB, Craske MG.Treating anxiety in 2017: Optimizing care to improve outcomes.JAMA.
2017 Jul 18;318(3):235-36. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.6996
