A patient is diagnosed with general anxiety disorder. This diagnosis is based on a history which indicated excessive worry for at least how many months?

The correct duration for excessive worry as a diagnostic criterion for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is at least six months. This timeframe is significant as it reflects the chronic nature of anxiety experienced by individuals with GAD. The diagnosis requires that the excessive worry is difficult to control and is often accompanied by additional symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

Establishing a duration of six months helps distinguish GAD from other anxiety disorders or transient anxiety that may occur in response to specific situations, ensuring that the condition is persistent and pervasive enough to warrant a diagnosis of GAD.

A shorter duration, such as three months, might capture individuals who experience situational anxiety, while durations longer than six months would extend beyond the typical diagnostic criteria, making it unnecessary for the diagnosis of GAD. Therefore, the six-month criterion is critical for confirming that the patient is experiencing ongoing anxiety that significantly impacts their daily functioning and quality of life.