What is a common symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Excessive worry about various aspects of life is indeed a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD tend to experience persistent and uncontrollable anxiety that spans multiple areas, such as health, finances, and relationships. This chronic state of worry often interferes with their daily functioning and can lead to physical symptoms like tension and restlessness.

While sleep disturbances and fatigue are also related to anxiety disorders and may occur as a result of the excessive worry, they are secondary manifestations rather than defining characteristics of GAD itself. Cognitive dissonance and confusion are not primary symptoms associated with GAD; instead, they are more related to conflicts in belief systems rather than generalized anxiety. Social withdrawal and isolation can occur as individuals try to cope with their anxiety, but this is not as central to GAD as the pervasive worry that defines the disorder.