What defines Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive feelings of anxiety that are difficult to control and are not limited to specific situations or events. Individuals with GAD often find themselves worrying about a multitude of everyday issues such as work, health, and social interactions, which can lead to significant distress and functional impairment.

This feature of excessive and uncontrollable worry, which can be present most days for at least six months, distinguishes GAD from other anxiety disorders. Individuals may experience physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

The other options do not encapsulate the core essence of GAD; a lack of focus at work refers more specifically to issues with attention rather than anxiety, occasional panic attacks relate to Panic Disorder rather than GAD, and a sudden change in mood suggests mood disorders rather than the persistent worry characteristic of generalized anxiety.