A patient is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The nursing assessment supports this diagnosis when the patient reports which of the following?

Choice A reason: Symptoms starting immediately after a life-threatening event like being robbed at gunpoint are more indicative of Acute Stress Disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). GAD is characterized by excessive, persistent worry about everyday life events rather than a specific response to a singular, high-intensity traumatic event. Choice B reason: According to the DSM 5, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months about a number of events or activities. This chronic, debilitating worry interferes significantly with occupational or social functioning, as seen in the patient’s 12 month inability to work. Choice C reason: Using prayers to feel relaxed is a coping mechanism or potentially a ritual. While individuals with GAD may use various methods to self-soothe, the mere act of praying does not provide diagnostic evidence for GAD. In some cases, repetitive ritualistic behaviors are more closely associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Choice D reason: Discomfort specifically related to eating in public is a hallmark symptom of Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia), not GAD. Social phobia is localized to fears of scrutiny or embarrassment in social situations, whereas GAD involves a generalized, pervasive worry that is not limited to a single social context.