Which symptom, present for more days than not for six months, would aid in diagnosing generalized anxiety disorder?

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Being easily fatigued is a characteristic symptom associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is primarily characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about various aspects of life, leading to a range of physical and psychological symptoms. When someone is constantly worrying, it can lead to mental and physical exhaustion. This fatigue occurs because the body's response to prolonged stress and anxiety can deplete energy levels, making individuals feel tired or exhausted more often than not.

In GAD, the fatigue is not solely attributed to any specific event or situation, but rather is a symptom that persists over time, often accompanying other manifestations of anxiety such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. As such, the presence of being easily fatigued for more days than not over a six-month period aligns well with the criteria needed to support a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder.

The other symptoms listed are related to different types of anxiety disorders or other mental health conditions. Decreased appetite may occur in various contexts but is not specific to GAD. Fear of having a panic attack is more characteristic of panic disorder. Preoccupation with previous traumatic events is more indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, while these symptoms can also be significant in various contexts, they do not directly

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