What is the core feature of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

The core feature of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the persistent and excessive worry that extends across multiple areas of life, such as work, health, and social interactions. This pervasive anxiety is characterized by a feeling of being overwhelmed by worry about everyday matters, which is disproportionate to the actual likelihood or impact of these concerns. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their worry, leading to significant distress and functional impairment in various aspects of their lives.

In GAD, the worry is not limited to specific situations or objects, distinguishing it from other anxiety disorders. For instance, intense fear of social situations is characteristic of Social Anxiety Disorder, while a specific phobia refers to an excessive fear of a defined object or situation. Obsessions and compulsions are hallmarks of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is separate from the generalized worry experienced in GAD. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying and diagnosing anxiety disorders accurately.