What are the core features of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

• A. Excessive anxiety and worry about multiple domains for six months or more, with physical symptoms.
• B. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks.
• C. Obsessions and compulsions.
• D. Distress limited to one specific situation.

Answer: (A)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is marked by excessive, uncontrollable worry about many areas of life that lasts most days for six months or longer, with the worry accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, or trouble concentrating. This broad, persistent worry across multiple domains, plus the somatic symptoms, fits the pattern of GAD rather than anxiety tied to a single situation or object. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks describe panic disorder, obsessions and compulsions describe OCD, and distress limited to one specific situation points to a phobia or situational anxiety, not the pervasive, generalized worry seen in GAD.