What is a key characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder?

A key characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is excessive worry about a variety of issues. This disorder is primarily marked by chronic and persistent anxiety that is not limited to a specific situation or set of circumstances. Individuals with GAD often find themselves fretting about numerous aspects of their lives, including work, health, relationships, and everyday decisions. This pervasive anxiety can significantly impact their daily functioning and overall quality of life.

While feelings of paranoia may be a symptom in specific anxiety disorders or conditions, they do not define GAD. The disorder is also not characterized by extreme shyness, which would be more closely associated with social anxiety disorder. Additionally, while individuals with GAD may experience difficulty concentrating, that symptom alone does not capture the essence of the disorder, as it can arise in various contexts and is not unique to GAD. The hallmark of GAD is the presence of excessive and uncontrollable worry across multiple areas of life, distinguishing it from other anxiety-related conditions.