Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a standard treatment approach for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Medication

Answer

Exposure therapy

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a key aspect of CBT for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Challenging negative thought patterns and developing coping strategies

Answer

Taking prescription medications to reduce anxiety

Answer

Gradually exposing oneself to feared situations under controlled conditions

Answer

Using relaxation techniques to manage stress

Question 3

Which class of medication is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 4

Which research approach is commonly used to investigate the effectiveness of different GAD treatments?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trials

Answer

Case studies

Answer

Descriptive surveys

Answer

Naturalistic observation studies

Question 5

Which is a well-established risk factor for developing GAD?

Accepted Answer

Both B and C

Answer

Female gender

Answer

Family history of anxiety disorders

Answer

Certain personality traits

Question 6

With appropriate treatment, which outcome is most likely for individuals with GAD?

Accepted Answer

Significant improvement in symptoms

Answer

Full recovery in most cases

Answer

Little to no improvement

Answer

Deterioration of symptoms

Question 7

What is the primary goal of treatment for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Managing symptoms and improving daily functioning

Answer

Complete elimination of all symptoms

Answer

Preventing future relapse

Answer

Curing the disorder

Question 8

In neuroimaging studies of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which brain region has been consistently implicated?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Prefrontal cortex

Question 9

Which of the following is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used in the pharmacological treatment of GAD?

Accepted Answer

Escitalopram

Answer

Venlafaxine

Answer

Bupropion

Answer

Gabapentin

Question 10

What is a central goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for GAD?

Accepted Answer

To help individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors

Answer

To reduce physiological arousal

Answer

To improve social skills

Answer

To eliminate all worry

Question 11

What is generally recommended as the most effective approach to managing anxiety triggers in individuals with GAD?

Accepted Answer

Confrontation of triggers

Answer

Avoidance of triggers

Answer

Distraction from triggers

Answer

Medication to suppress triggers

Question 12

Which of the following is considered the primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive, uncontrollable worry and apprehension

Answer

Unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Persistent phobias

Answer

Repetitive compulsions

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a recognized risk factor for developing GAD?

Accepted Answer

Excessive caffeine consumption

Answer

Family history of anxiety disorders

Answer

Chronic stress exposure

Answer

Perfectionistic personality traits

Question 14

Which type of therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychoanalytic therapy

Answer

Exposure and response prevention (ERP)

Answer

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)

Question 15

What is a key characteristic of the worry process in GAD?

Accepted Answer

Excessiveness and uncontrollability of worries

Answer

Focus on realistic and specific concerns

Answer

Avoidance of situations that evoke anxiety

Answer

Belief in magical thinking

Question 16

What is the primary diagnostic criterion for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety on most days for at least six months

Answer

Panic attacks occurring at least once per week

Answer

Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety

Answer

Difficulty controlling worry

Question 17

What is the first-line evidence-based therapy for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Exposure therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Medication

Question 18

What is the primary role of medication in the treatment of GAD?

Accepted Answer

To provide short-term symptom relief

Answer

To permanently eliminate GAD

Answer

To replace therapy as the main treatment

Answer

To prevent the development of anxiety disorders

Question 19

What is the long-term prognosis for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms may persist or recur over time

Answer

Most individuals fully recover with treatment

Answer

GAD typically leads to significant impairment and disability

Answer

There is no hope for recovery from GAD

Question 20

According to the DSM-5, for how long must symptoms persist to meet the diagnostic criteria for GAD?

Accepted Answer

At least 3 months

Answer

At least 1 month

Answer

At least 6 months

Answer

At least 1 year

Question 21

Which of the following coping mechanisms can be beneficial for managing symptoms of GAD?

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness-based techniques

Answer

Avoidance

Answer

Substance use

Answer

Isolation

Question 22

How does GAD commonly impact an individual's social functioning?

Accepted Answer

Withdrawal and avoidance of social situations

Answer

Increased social participation

Answer

Enhanced communication skills

Answer

Improved relationships

Question 23

When assessing for GAD, which of the following conditions is NOT a common differential diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Answer

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Question 24

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Social withdrawal

Answer

Compulsive behaviors

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for GAD according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Worry is only present in specific situations or in response to specific triggers

Answer

Excessive worry most days for at least 6 months

Answer

Difficulty controlling the worry

Answer

Worry causes significant distress or impairment in daily functioning

Question 26

Which type of therapy has been shown to be most effective in the treatment of GAD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Medication management

Answer

Supportive Therapy

Question 27

What is the primary goal of CBT for GAD?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the frequency and intensity of worry and develop coping mechanisms

Answer

To uncover unconscious conflicts and past experiences contributing to anxiety

Answer

To prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms

Answer

To provide a safe and supportive environment for sharing experiences

Question 28

Which class of medication is commonly used as a first-line treatment for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Stimulants

Question 29

In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), how do negative automatic thoughts and worry contribute to its persistence?

Accepted Answer

They create cognitive distortions that perpetuate feelings of anxiety.

Answer

They trigger physiological responses that directly cause GAD symptoms.

Answer

They are merely symptoms of GAD and do not contribute to its maintenance.

Question 30

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is a required criterion for diagnosing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various events or activities

Answer

Panic attacks occurring more than once a week

Answer

Physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath

Answer

Avoidance of social situations or activities due to anxiety

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a core symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Restlessness or feeling on edge

Question 32

Which of the following is a cognitive symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Racing thoughts

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Answer

Rapid heart rate

Question 33

Which of the following is **not** a common symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Persistent worry

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Feeling relaxed and calm

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Difficulty concentrating or mind blanking

Answer

Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling or staying asleep)

Question 35

Which of the following is a core diagnostic symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive, uncontrollable worry that is difficult to suppress

Answer

Compulsive rituals or thoughts

Answer

Persistent sadness or loss of pleasure

Answer

Hallucinations or delusions

Question 36

Which type of psychotherapy is most commonly and effectively used to treat GAD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Answer

Client-centered therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 37

Which of the following is a fundamental technique employed in CBT for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Challenging and restructuring negative thought patterns

Answer

Dream analysis

Answer

Free association

Answer

Hypnosis

Question 38

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of untreated GAD?

Accepted Answer

Significant impairment in social or occupational functioning

Answer

Enhanced problem-solving abilities

Answer

Reduced anxiety levels

Answer

Improved physical health

Question 39

What is the primary goal of treatment for GAD?

Accepted Answer

To significantly reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall functioning

Answer

To uncover the underlying causes of anxiety

Answer

To prevent future episodes of anxiety

Answer

To completely eliminate all anxiety

Question 40

Which of the following is a core symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry about many different things

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Persistent sadness

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 41

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months

Answer

The worry is accompanied by at least three physical symptoms

Answer

Anxiety is caused by a specific event or situation

Question 42

Which of the following is considered the first-line psychological treatment for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Question 43

Which of the following is a self-help technique recommended for managing GAD symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, meditation)

Answer

Negative self-talk

Answer

Avoidance

Answer

Substance use

Question 44

Which of the following is a cognitive distortion commonly associated with GAD?

Accepted Answer

Catastrophizing

Answer

Problem-solving

Answer

Positive self-talk

Answer

Mindfulness

Question 45

Which of the following is a behavioral therapy technique used in the treatment of GAD?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention (ERP)

Answer

Dream analysis

Answer

Thought-stopping

Answer

Hypnosis

Question 46

Which of the following is a prognostic factor associated with a favorable outcome in GAD?

Accepted Answer

Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment

Answer

Severity of symptoms at the time of diagnosis

Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Comorbid mental health conditions

Question 47

Which of the following is the hallmark symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry that is difficult to control

Answer

Obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors

Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Excessive fear of specific objects or situations

Question 48

Which of the following is a well-established risk factor for developing GAD?

Accepted Answer

Family history of anxiety disorders

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Cancer

Answer

Heart disease

Question 49

What is the primary aim of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for GAD?

Accepted Answer

To help individuals identify and modify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety

Answer

To solely teach relaxation techniques

Answer

To provide medication

Question 50

What is the term for an intense and persistent fear of a specific object or situation?

Accepted Answer

Phobia

Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Obsession

Answer

Compulsion

Question 51

Which of the following symptoms commonly associated with GAD can manifest physically?

Accepted Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 52

What is a recommended lifestyle modification for managing symptoms of GAD?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Excessive caffeine consumption

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Alcohol use

Question 53

Which of the following is a key principle of mindfulness techniques for reducing anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Paying attention to the present moment without judgment

Answer

Suppressing anxious thoughts

Answer

Visualizing positive outcomes