Which symptoms are part of the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder?

The symptoms linked to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) include a range of psychological and physical manifestations, and the presence of irritability and muscle tension is a core aspect of these diagnostic criteria.

Irritability often reflects the heightened state of anxiety and stress that individuals with GAD experience, as they may find themselves on edge or overly sensitive to stressors. Muscle tension, on the other hand, is a common physical symptom associated with anxiety disorders, where the body's stress response leads to chronic physical tightness and discomfort.

These symptoms contribute to the overall experience of anxiety, affirming the constant state of worry characteristic of GAD. Hence, the identification of irritability and muscle tension as part of the diagnostic criteria accurately reflects the experience of individuals living with this disorder.