What psychiatric disorder is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about multiple aspects of daily life, including work, health, and social interactions. Individuals with GAD often find it challenging to control their anxiety, which can lead to significant distress and impairment in functioning. This disorder is marked by a chronic state of apprehension that does not focus on a particular issue or situation, making it distinct from other anxiety disorders.

For example, while PTSD is associated with flashbacks and severe anxiety following a traumatic experience, and OCD involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety related to those thoughts, GAD encompasses a broader range of worries without the presence of specific triggers. Similarly, Social Anxiety Disorder primarily revolves around the fear of social situations and being judged by others, which is a narrower focus compared to the generalized worry seen in GAD. Therefore, the nature of the anxiety in GAD is what differentiates it as the correct answer in this context.