What type of disorder is characterized by excessive worry occurring for more days than not for at least six months?

Prepare for the OCP Mental Health Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as health, work, and social interactions, occurring more days than not for a duration of at least six months. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their worry, and this persistent anxiety can lead to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The hallmark of GAD is not tied to any specific situation or person, which distinguishes it from other anxiety disorders that may be more situationally focused.

In contrast, Social Anxiety Disorder is primarily related to the fear of social situations where one might be judged or embarrassed. Panic Disorder involves sudden and recurrent panic attacks and a fear of future attacks, while Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder revolves around the presence of obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors). Therefore, the hallmark of generalized anxiety is the chronic and pervasive nature of worry, making it the correct choice in this context.

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