Which statement best describes the DSM-5-TR criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in adults?

Which statement best describes the DSM-5-TR criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in adults?

• A. Excessive worry about a single issue for 3 months with no additional symptoms.
• B. Excessive anxiety and worry more days than not for at least 6 months about multiple domains, with difficulty controlling the worry and at least three of six symptoms.
• C. Panic attacks with sudden fear.
• D. Marked fear or anxiety about two or more agoraphobic situations.

Answer: (B)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder in adults is defined by chronic, excessive worry about multiple domains that is hard to control, lasting most days for at least six months. The worry must be accompanied by at least three of six symptoms—such as feeling restless or keyed up, easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance—and cause clinically significant distress or impairment. This description fits best because it covers the duration (six months), the breadth of worry (multiple areas), the inability to control the worry, and the required number of accompanying symptoms. Other scenarios describe features of different disorders (for example, panic attacks or agoraphobia) or involve worry about a single issue, which do not meet the DSM-5-TR criteria for generalized anxiety disorder.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder in adults is defined by chronic, excessive worry about multiple domains that is hard to control, lasting most days for at least six months. The worry must be accompanied by at least three of six symptoms—such as feeling restless or keyed up, easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance—and cause clinically significant distress or impairment. This description fits best because it covers the duration (six months), the breadth of worry (multiple areas), the inability to control the worry, and the required number of accompanying symptoms.

Other scenarios describe features of different disorders (for example, panic attacks or agoraphobia) or involve worry about a single issue, which do not meet the DSM-5-TR criteria for generalized anxiety disorder.