Which of the following is included in the list of nine anxiety disorders?

• A. Major Depressive Disorder
• B. Schizophrenia
• C. Bipolar Disorder
• D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer: (D)

Anxiety disorders are defined by excessive fear or anxiety and related behavioral disturbances. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is included in that group because it involves chronic, excessive worry about many areas of life, not tied to a specific situation, with difficulty controlling the worry most days for months, and often accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems. This pattern causes noticeable distress or impairment.

The other conditions listed are not anxiety disorders. Major Depressive Disorder centers on persistent depressive mood and anhedonia (a mood disorder). Schizophrenia involves psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Bipolar Disorder features mood episodes of mania/hypomania plus depression. Thus, Generalized Anxiety Disorder fits the category of anxiety disorders.