Which statement best captures the DSM-5 criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in terms of duration and symptom count?

Which statement best captures the DSM-5 criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in terms of duration and symptom count?

• A. At least 3 months of anxiety about multiple events, with at least two associated symptoms.
• B. At least 6 months of excessive anxiety and worry about multiple events, occurring more days than not, about multiple events, plus at least three associated symptoms (restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance).
• C. At least 6 months of anxiety about multiple events with no associated symptoms.
• D. At least 6 months of excessive anxiety and worry about multiple events, occurring more days than not, but associated with only one symptom.

Answer: (B)

Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by chronic, excessive worry about a variety of topics, occurring most days for at least six months, and the worry is hard to control. In addition to the duration and uncontrollability, DSM-5 requires that at least three of six associated symptoms accompany the worry: restlessness or feeling keyed up, easy fatigability, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. The combination of a long duration, worry about multiple events, and multiple accompanying symptoms is what identifies this disorder rather than short-term anxiety or worry tied to a single issue. If someone has only one symptom or fewer than six months, the criteria aren’t met. The statement that best fits is the one describing at least six months of excessive worry about multiple events, more days than not, with at least three of the six symptoms.

Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by chronic, excessive worry about a variety of topics, occurring most days for at least six months, and the worry is hard to control. In addition to the duration and uncontrollability, DSM-5 requires that at least three of six associated symptoms accompany the worry: restlessness or feeling keyed up, easy fatigability, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. The combination of a long duration, worry about multiple events, and multiple accompanying symptoms is what identifies this disorder rather than short-term anxiety or worry tied to a single issue. If someone has only one symptom or fewer than six months, the criteria aren’t met. The statement that best fits is the one describing at least six months of excessive worry about multiple events, more days than not, with at least three of the six symptoms.