A 32-year-old female presents with uncontrollable worry for six months and exhibits sleep disturbances and irritability. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Prepare for the Behavioral Health End of Rotation Exam with comprehensive study materials. Enhance your understanding with detailed questions, insights, and explanations. Gear up to excel!

The features presented in the case strongly indicate Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The patient’s uncontrollable worry over a period of six months, alongside symptoms such as sleep disturbances and irritability, aligns with the core characteristics of GAD.

GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least six months, concerning a variety of events or activities. The worry is difficult to control and is often accompanied by physical symptoms, which can include sleep issues, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms demonstrate the pervasive nature of the anxiety that is typical in GAD.

In this scenario, the duration of the symptoms and the specific nature of the worry align well with the diagnostic criteria for GAD rather than the other disorders listed. For instance, while Panic Disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and significant worry about future attacks, it does not typically present with continuous widespread worry over months. Social Anxiety Disorder is centered around intense fear of social situations and being judged or embarrassed in social contexts, which is unrelated to the generalized worry described here. Major Depressive Disorder includes a range of symptoms such as depressed mood and loss of interest but does not primarily focus on uncontrollable worry.

Thus, taking into account the provided symptoms and their

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy