The PMHNP is evaluating a new patient, a 33-year-old woman. She reports feeling "keyed up" most of the time, having constant muscle tension, and excessively worrying about "every little thing." These symptoms have been occurring for about 9 months, and they are causing her significant distress at home and at work. She takes no medications, and her lab work and physical exam are negative for an underlying medical cause for these symptoms. What diagnosis is most likely?

Choice A reason: OCD involves obsessions and compulsions, whereas this patient demonstrates generalized worry without compulsive behaviors. Choice B reason: Social anxiety disorder is specific to fear of social situations, not pervasive, generalized anxiety affecting multiple aspects of life. Choice C reason: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by chronic, excessive worry about various life domains lasting more than 6 months, along with symptoms such as muscle tension and restlessness, matching this patient’s presentation. Choice D reason: Panic disorder is defined by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and fear of future attacks. This patient’s ongoing generalized worry and tension do not fit panic disorder.