Which psychological disorder is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that is difficult to control. Individuals with GAD experience persistent and excessive anxiety about various aspects of life, such as work, health, and social interactions, often overestimating the potential for negative outcomes. This heightened state of worry can interfere significantly with daily functioning and is accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.

In contrast, the other disorders listed have different primary characteristics. Depression is primarily marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety, but it is distinct from the broader, more generalized anxiety experienced in GAD. Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and fear of future attacks, rather than a continuous state of worry across various life domains that defines GAD.