All are seen in general anxiety disorder (GAD), EXCEPT:
**Core Concept**
General anxiety disorder (GAD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry about everyday things, even when there is no apparent reason to worry. It is associated with symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Generalized anxiety disorder is typically characterized by excessive worry about a variety of topics, such as work or school performance, finances, relationships, or health. This worry is often accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. The symptoms are not limited to a specific situation or object, but are pervasive and persistent.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not typically seen in GAD. In fact, individuals with GAD may exhibit a range of anxious behaviors, but they are not typically characterized by a specific phobia, such as a fear of spiders.
**Option B:** This option is not a hallmark symptom of GAD. While individuals with GAD may experience some degree of social anxiety, it is not a primary characteristic of the disorder.
**Option C:** This option is not a common symptom of GAD. Individuals with GAD may experience some degree of dissociation, but it is not a primary symptom of the disorder.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key feature of GAD is that the worry is excessive and persistent, and is not limited to a specific situation or object. This distinguishes GAD from other anxiety disorders, such as specific phobias or social anxiety disorder.
**Correct Answer:** A. This option is not typically seen in GAD.