Which of the following is a common symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Excessive worry is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD experience persistent and uncontrollable anxiety about various aspects of life, such as work, health, social interactions, and everyday situations. This worry is often disproportionate to the actual events and can severely impact daily functioning.

While other options, such as increased energy levels, heightened confidence, and reduced appetite, can be seen in various psychological conditions, they are not defining characteristics of GAD. Typically, excessive worry leads to physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which further exacerbates the individual's anxiety but does not correlate with an increase in energy or confidence. The primary focus in GAD is the overwhelming nature of chronic worry that affects a person's ability to lead a stable and functional life.