Which psychological disorder is characterized by excessive worry across multiple domains?

• A. Panic disorder
• B. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• C. Social anxiety disorder
• D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Answer: (B)

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of topics, which may include work, health, social interactions, and other life circumstances. This worry is often disproportionate to the actual situation and can lead to significant distress or impairment in functioning.

Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their anxiety and may experience symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. The hallmark of GAD is the pervasive nature of the anxiety, as it is not limited to specific triggers or situations, but rather spans multiple areas of life.

In contrast, other disorders like panic disorder primarily focus on sudden episodes of intense fear or anxiety, social anxiety disorder centers around fear of social situations, and obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that may not be generalized across many life domains. This distinction is what firmly classifies GAD as the correct answer in this context.