Effective management
GAD is a debilitating disorder fairly common in adolescent populations. Despite its prevalence, GAD is underdiagnosed and undertreated, causing major emotional and physical distress to the patient, and leads to a variety of disorders and comorbidities in adulthood. The etiology of GAD is often complex, involving a variety of genetic, biologic, cognitive, and environmental components. Healthcare providers must assess for the presence of risk factors for GAD, both in the patient and in his or her environment. APRNs must be diligent in using approved screening tools when assessing and diagnosing GAD as well as measuring treatment outcomes.