American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Which of the following is NOT a symptom associated with generalized anxiety disorder?

  1. Restlessness

  2. Difficulty concentrating

  3. Excessive happiness

  4. Muscle tension

The correct answer is: Excessive happiness

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, often accompanied by several common symptoms. Individuals with GAD typically experience restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and irritability, among others. Excessive happiness does not align with the characteristics of GAD. Rather than experiencing consistent happiness, individuals with GAD face pervasive anxiety that interferes with their daily functioning. Therefore, while feelings of happiness can occur in life, they are not typical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. Understanding the core symptoms of GAD reveals how they contribute to the overall experience of anxiety, distinguishing them from emotional states such as happiness.