Question

A client is undergoing treatment for an anxiety disorder. Such a disorder is considered chronic and generalized when excessive anxiety and worry about two or more life circumstances exist for at least:

1. 2 months.
2. 12 months.
3. 6 months.
4. 4 months.

Answer 1

A chronic and generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry for at least 6 months.

Step-by-step explanation:

An anxiety disorder is considered chronic and generalized when there is excessive anxiety and worry about two or more life circumstances for at least 6 months.

This is based on established diagnostic criteria that help differentiate between normal levels of stress and clinically significant anxiety disorders, which require a persistent and prolonged period of anxiety to be considered chronic. Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorders fall into this category when symptoms persist over a long timeframe.