Which disorder is characterized by excessive fear or worry?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive fear or worry that persists over an extended period. Individuals with GAD tend to find it difficult to control their anxiety about various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, health, and daily responsibilities. This disorder encompasses a pervasive sense of apprehension and anticipatory anxiety, impacting the individual’s ability to function in daily situations.

In GAD, the worry often occurs without a specific trigger and can be all-consuming, leading to physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The excessive nature of the fear and worry distinguishes GAD from other anxiety disorders, which may be more situational or linked to specific events.

The other options represent different mental health disorders with their unique characteristics. For instance, panic disorder involves sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort, major depressive disorder focuses on persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest, while obsessive-compulsive disorder features intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing GAD as the correct answer, given its defining trait of excessive, generalized worry.