What is the term for a type of anxiety disorder involving persistent and generalized anxiety and worry?

The term for a type of anxiety disorder involving persistent and generalized anxiety and worry is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This condition is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, such as health, finances, or relationships, which occurs more days than not for a significant period. Individuals with GAD often struggle with the inability to relax, experience muscle tension, and may have difficulty concentrating due to their anxious thoughts.

In contrast, social anxiety disorder focuses specifically on intense fear in social situations and the fear of being judged, while panic disorder is defined by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and the subsequent fear of having more attacks. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises after experiencing a traumatic event and includes symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. Each of these disorders presents with unique features that differentiate them from generalized anxiety disorder, which is marked specifically by a chronic worry that spans multiple areas of life.