What psychological disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry?

Prepare for the Pediatrics Examination and Assessment Questionnaire (EAQ) with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and readiness for the exam with our engaging quiz!

The psychological disorder characterized by excessive anxiety and worry is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD often find themselves worrying about a variety of everyday issues such as health, finances, relationships, and work, even when there is little or no reason to be concerned. This persistent worry typically occurs on most days and can last for six months or longer, making it difficult for the person to control their anxiety.

GAD is also associated with physical symptoms, such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances, which can significantly impact daily functioning. The essence of the disorder lies in the chronic nature of the anxiety, not just situational stressors, setting it apart from other anxiety disorders.

In contrast, the other mentioned disorders do not center on excessive worry in the same way. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) focuses on attention and hyperactivity issues, Major Depressive Disorder primarily involves depressed mood and its associated symptoms rather than anxiety, and Social Anxiety Disorder is specifically related to fear of social interactions, rather than generalized anxiety about a broad range of life circumstances.

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