Which disorder is defined by persistent excessive worry across multiple domains for at least 6 months?

Which disorder is defined by persistent excessive worry across multiple domains for at least 6 months?

• A. Panic Disorder
• B. Specific Phobia
• C. Adjustment Disorder with anxiety
• D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer: (D)

The key idea is a disorder defined by chronic, excessive worry that spills into many areas of life and lasts a long time. This is Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The hallmark is persistent, excessive worry about a variety of topics (such as work, health, finances, family) that occurs most days for at least six months and is hard to control, causing distress or impairment. People often also have accompanying symptoms like restlessness, easy fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems. This differs from panic disorder, where the main feature is recurrent panic attacks and worry about having more attacks rather than persistent, broad worry. Specific phobia involves a strong fear focused on a single object or situation. Adjustment disorder with anxiety arises in response to a specific stressor and is not characterized by widespread, six-month worry across many domains.

The key idea is a disorder defined by chronic, excessive worry that spills into many areas of life and lasts a long time. This is Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The hallmark is persistent, excessive worry about a variety of topics (such as work, health, finances, family) that occurs most days for at least six months and is hard to control, causing distress or impairment. People often also have accompanying symptoms like restlessness, easy fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems.

This differs from panic disorder, where the main feature is recurrent panic attacks and worry about having more attacks rather than persistent, broad worry. Specific phobia involves a strong fear focused on a single object or situation. Adjustment disorder with anxiety arises in response to a specific stressor and is not characterized by widespread, six-month worry across many domains.