For almost a year, a friend has felt worried, irritable, and uneasy, although he does not feel threatened by anything specific. In addition, his muscles seem tense, he feels fatigued, and he is having problems sleeping. The most likely diagnosis would be ________ disorder.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, such as prolonged worry, irritability, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbances without a specific threat, align with the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about various topics, events, or activities that is difficult to control and affects daily functioning.  The way anxiety is expressed varies with the individual, but he/she must also suffer from three symptoms such as the ones described to be diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. About 5.7 percent of U.S. adults have experienced the disorder.

For Almost a Year, a Friend Has Felt Worried, Irritable