A 50-year-old man presents with six months of excessive, uncontrollable worry about finances, health, and his children's safety occurring on most days. He reports muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. He cannot control the worry even when the issues are minor. What is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a DSM-5-TR diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder?
- A 6 months ✓
- B 2 weeks
- C 1 month
- D 1 year
Correct answer: A. 6 months
Explanation
DSM-5-TR specifies that for generalised anxiety disorder, the excessive anxiety and worry must occur more days than not for at least six months. This duration criterion distinguishes GAD from normal situational worry and from shorter-duration anxiety reactions. The six-month threshold also applies to GAD in children and adolescents. At least three of six associated symptoms (restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance) must be present; only one is required in children.
Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
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