How does anxiety in Generalized Anxiety Disorder typically manifest?

In Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), anxiety typically manifests as persistent, excessive worry that is difficult for the individual to control. This worry is not limited to specific events or situations but instead spans a wide range of concerns, including health, finances, relationships, and everyday challenges. Individuals with GAD often find that their anxiety is out of proportion to the actual likelihood or impact of the feared events, which can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of GAD. For instance, debilitating panic attacks are commonly associated with Panic Disorder, not GAD. Occasional minor worry without impairment does not reflect the chronic and pervasive nature of anxiety in GAD. Additionally, anxiety in GAD is not confined to specific phobias but manifests broadly across various aspects of life. Therefore, the hallmark of GAD is indeed the presence of continuous, uncontrollable worry that interferes with daily activities and overall quality of life.