American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

What is a common symptom associated with excessive anxiety as required by DSM 5 criteria for generalized anxiety disorder?

1. Hallucinations

2. Increased appetite

3. Restlessness

4. Obsessive thoughts

The correct answer is: Restlessness

In the context of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as defined by DSM-5 criteria, restlessness is a common symptom. Individuals with GAD often experience a pervasive sense of unease and anxiety that can manifest physically. Restlessness can present as being unable to relax, feeling on edge, or experiencing difficulty in being still, which aligns with the DSM-5 criteria emphasizing symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment. In contrast, hallucinations are more characteristic of psychotic disorders; increased appetite is generally not a symptom of anxiety disorders, which often lead to decreased appetite or weight loss due to anxiety; and obsessive thoughts are more aligned with obsessive-compulsive disorder rather than with generalized anxiety disorder itself. Thus, restlessness serves as a reflective symptom of the underlying anxiety that individuals face in GAD.