How is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) characterized?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is primarily characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about a wide range of life circumstances. Individuals with GAD often find it difficult to control their anxiety, which can manifest in persistent concerns about health, work, social interactions, and daily responsibilities. This chronic worrying can lead to significant distress and impairment in functioning. Unlike other anxiety disorders that may focus on specific triggers, GAD encompasses a broad pattern of anxiety that is not limited to particular situations or objects.

The nature of anxiety in GAD is typically more diffuse, affecting various aspects of a person's life and can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. This pervasive worry and the inability to manage it are core features that distinguish GAD from other mood or anxiety disorders, making it a unique clinical presentation within the realm of abnormal psychology.