Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia—Lifetime version modified for the study of anxiety disorders (SADS-LA): Rationale and conceptual development

The SADS-LA, a modification of the Lifetime Version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, was designed specifically for studies requiring detailed lifetime information on anxiety disorders, symptoms and traits. This article focuses on current difficulties in assessing and conceptualizing anxiety disorders, as addressed in the SADS-LA. The following topics are discussed: conceptual differentiation of certain anxiety disorders; sub-threshold symptoms and syndromes; the relationship between affective and anxiety syndromes; the residual category, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. We emphasize a lifetime sequential approach to diagnostic assessment for a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationships between mental disorders.