In diagnosing GAD, a thorough history is necessary, including patient and family medical and mental health history as well as social and environmental history. (See Common red flags for GAD found on NEEDS assessment.) History-taking should focus on the onset and development of anxiety symptoms, rating their severity, associated stressors, and the impact that anxiety has on the patient's functioning.20 Common themes in what the patient worries about should be explored to determine whether they are age-normative (such as grades, friends, homework) or inappropriate.23 The provider should note the number of worries the patient reports, as GAD is associated with worrying about an increased number of things.24 If the clinical situation warrants such, the provider should question the patient about any past or present sexual abuse. The provider must also inquire about the use of any prescription, over-the-counter, or illicit drugs, specifically caffeine, diet pills, and cold medications, as these may trigger or exacerbate GAD as well as mimic its symptom