Excessive anxiety and worry predominating for at least 6 months. Restlessness, easy fatigability, difficulty in concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and disturbed sleep may be present. Adults with this disorder often worry about everyday, routine circumstances such as job responsibilities, finances, the health of family members, misfortune to their children, or minor matters such as being late or completing household chores. Frequently they experience cold, clammy hands; dry mouth; sweating; nausea or diarrhea; urinary frequency; trouble swallowing or a “lump in the throat”; an exaggerated startle response; or depressive symptoms. The intensity, duration, or frequency of the anxiety and worry is far out of proportion to the actual likelihood or impact of the feared event.

Main entry:
anxiety disorder