Which disorder is characterized by excessive worry and fear about various aspects of life?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent, excessive worry and fear about various aspects of life, including work, health, and social interactions, often to an extent that it interferes with daily functioning. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their anxiety, which can lead to symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. This disorder is distinct in that it encompasses a broad range of concerns rather than panic attacks or specific obsessions, setting it apart from the other disorders listed.

Major Depressive Disorder primarily involves persistent sadness and a lack of interest in activities, rather than the chronic worry seen in GAD. Panic Disorder is characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear or panic attacks, rather than continuous anxiety about daily life. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder involves unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety, rather than a pervasive pattern of worry across various life situations. Hence, GAD is the diagnosis that most accurately fits the described symptoms of excessive worry and fear about different life aspects.