Which symptom is commonly shared by both generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder?

Which symptom is commonly shared by both generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder?

• A. Sleep disturbance
• B. Visual hallucinations
• C. Euphoria
• D. Hyperphagia

Answer: (A)

Sleep disturbance is a common feature in both generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. In generalized anxiety disorder, ongoing worry and heightened arousal frequently make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia or non-restorative sleep. In major depressive disorder, sleep disruption also occurs, often as insomnia (trouble initiating or maintaining sleep, or early morning awakenings) or, less commonly, hypersomnia. Because both conditions regularly involve sleep problems, this symptom best reflects what they can share. The other options don’t fit as broadly shared symptoms. Visual hallucinations are not typical of either disorder unless there are psychotic features. Euphoria is more characteristic of mania or hypomania. Hyperphagia can occur with depression in some people but is not a defining or consistent shared symptom of both disorders.

Sleep disturbance is a common feature in both generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. In generalized anxiety disorder, ongoing worry and heightened arousal frequently make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia or non-restorative sleep. In major depressive disorder, sleep disruption also occurs, often as insomnia (trouble initiating or maintaining sleep, or early morning awakenings) or, less commonly, hypersomnia. Because both conditions regularly involve sleep problems, this symptom best reflects what they can share.

The other options don’t fit as broadly shared symptoms. Visual hallucinations are not typical of either disorder unless there are psychotic features. Euphoria is more characteristic of mania or hypomania. Hyperphagia can occur with depression in some people but is not a defining or consistent shared symptom of both disorders.