Which of the following is NOT a symptom included in the diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder?

In the context of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the symptoms are primarily characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life. Individuals with GAD often experience physical and psychological symptoms that may affect daily functioning.

Excessive worry is a core diagnostic criterion of GAD. It refers to an individual's inability to control their anxiety about a range of events, leading to significant distress. Sleep disturbances are also commonly reported in individuals with GAD, as heightened anxiety can interfere with the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep, contributing to daytime fatigue and irritability.

Irritability can stem from the ongoing stress and worry experienced in GAD, making it a recognized symptom in the disorder. In contrast, hallucinations, which involve perceiving things that are not present (such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there), are not characteristic of GAD. These symptoms are more associated with other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or severe mood disorders. Therefore, hallucinations do not fit within the symptomatology typically seen in generalized anxiety disorder.