What is the hallmark of generalized anxiety disorder compared to other anxiety disorders?

What is the hallmark of generalized anxiety disorder compared to other anxiety disorders?

• A. Intense focus on a single fear
• B. Consistent feelings of uncontrollable worry
• C. Avoidance of all social situations
• D. Only experiencing anxiety in public spaces

Answer: (B)

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized primarily by persistent and excessive worry about a wide range of issues, which can be related to everyday situations such as work, health, or social interactions. This uncontrollable worry is a key feature that distinguishes GAD from other anxiety disorders, where the focus may be more narrowly defined, such as a specific phobia or a singular event. Individuals with GAD often find it difficult to control their anxiety regardless of the context, leading to feelings of restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. In contrast, other anxiety disorders may not involve this chronic state of widespread worry. For instance, specific phobias typically involve intense fear of a particular object or situation. Social anxiety disorder may focus on interactions or performance in social settings, while panic disorder can present as sudden episodes of intense fear. Therefore, the hallmark of GAD being the consistent feelings of uncontrollable worry truly sets it apart from these more situation-specific or focused anxiety experiences.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized primarily by persistent and excessive worry about a wide range of issues, which can be related to everyday situations such as work, health, or social interactions. This uncontrollable worry is a key feature that distinguishes GAD from other anxiety disorders, where the focus may be more narrowly defined, such as a specific phobia or a singular event. Individuals with GAD often find it difficult to control their anxiety regardless of the context, leading to feelings of restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

In contrast, other anxiety disorders may not involve this chronic state of widespread worry. For instance, specific phobias typically involve intense fear of a particular object or situation. Social anxiety disorder may focus on interactions or performance in social settings, while panic disorder can present as sudden episodes of intense fear. Therefore, the hallmark of GAD being the consistent feelings of uncontrollable worry truly sets it apart from these more situation-specific or focused anxiety experiences.