In DSM-5, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is distinguished from normal worry primarily by which criterion?
- A The worry must involve at least 3 specific topics such as work, finances, and health
- B The person finds the worry difficult to control and it causes significant distress or functional impairment, with ≥3 associated somatic/cognitive symptoms, lasting ≥6 months ✓
- C Worry must trigger panic attacks to qualify as GAD
- D Anxiety must be present continuously for 1 year before GAD can be diagnosed
Correct answer: B. The person finds the worry difficult to control and it causes significant distress or functional impairment, with ≥3 associated somatic/cognitive symptoms, lasting ≥6 months
Explanation
DSM-5 GAD requires: (1) excessive, difficult-to-control anxiety and worry about multiple events/activities for ≥6 months; (2) ≥3 associated symptoms from: restlessness, fatigue, concentration difficulty, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance (only 1 symptom required in children); and (3) clinically significant distress or functional impairment. The key distinguishing feature from normal worry is both the uncontrollability and the associated somatic/cognitive symptom burden. Panic attacks are not a criterion for GAD.
Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
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