A SELF-REPORT DIAGNOSTIC MEASURE OF GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

The present study tested the reliability of a self-report diagnostic m easure of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) based on DSM criteria. Am ong two samples of undergraduate students, 47-80% of the GAD diagnoses by questionnaire were confirmed by diagnostic interview, with the hig her rate being associated with DSM-TV criteria. Categorization of a pa rticipant as Non-GAD by questionnaire was found to be 100% reliable by interview. Given these findings as well as prior empirical support fo r the validity of the measure, this questionnaire has utility for iden tifying analogue GAD and Non-GAD participants from undergraduate popul ations for use in preliminary investigations of the mechanisms and fun ctions associated with chronic worry and GAD.