Which criterion best differentiates generalized anxiety disorder from normal worry?

• A. Excessive worry more days than not for at least six months plus associated symptoms and impairment.
• B. Worry is always about daily tasks.
• C. GAD requires worry only about a specific event.
• D. Worry persists for less than six months.

Answer: (A)

The test hinges on how generalized anxiety disorder is distinguished from ordinary worry: the duration, breadth, and the impact on functioning. Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry that occurs most days for at least six months, across a range of topics, and it’s hard to control the worry. It also comes with distress or impairment and often physical or cognitive symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep trouble. This combination—long-lasting, pervasive worry that disrupts life—is what sets GAD apart from normal worry, which tends to be brief, tied to a specific stressor, and not associated with substantial impairment.

The other options don’t fit because normal worry isn’t limited to daily tasks, GAD isn’t about worrying only a single event, and a duration under six months wouldn’t meet the diagnostic threshold.