Which of the following are symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

The correct choice highlights one of the hallmark characteristics of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which is persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life. Individuals with GAD experience anxiety that is difficult to control and is associated with a range of everyday issues, such as health, work, and relationships. This worry is often disproportionate to the actual events or challenges the person faces, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

GAD is marked by this pervasive anxiety and worry that can manifest physically, including symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Recognizing the chronic nature of this anxiety is crucial to diagnosing and understanding GAD, as it distinguishes it from more situational or short-term anxiety responses.

In comparison, the other options do not accurately reflect the symptoms of GAD. Excessive optimism about the future contradicts the anxious outlook typical of individuals with GAD. Difficulty in forming social connections may be a characteristic of social anxiety or other disorders but does not directly encapsulate GAD. Avoidance of all stressors may suggest a coping mechanism but is not a specific symptom of GAD, which can involve facing stressors while feeling overwhelmed by excessive worry rather than simply avoiding them altogether