Which psychiatric condition is characterized by excessive worry occurring more days than not for 6 months or more?

The condition characterized by excessive worry occurring more days than not for a duration of 6 months or more is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is defined by a chronic pattern of excessive worry about various aspects of life, including work, health, and social interactions, which is difficult for the individual to control.

This worry is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. The requirement for these symptoms to persist for at least 6 months distinguishes GAD from other anxiety disorders that may involve shorter periods of anxiety or more situational triggers.

In contrast, panic disorder involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks and the fear of subsequent attacks, which tends to be more episodic rather than a consistent, ongoing worry. Specific phobia refers to an intense fear of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance behavior, and does not encompass a broader pattern of worry. PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition that arises after exposure to a traumatic event and is characterized by intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance, and hyperarousal rather than persistent generalized worry.

Understanding these distinctions helps to clarify why Generalized Anxiety Disorder is the correct answer in this context.