Which of the following is a typical symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Muscle tension is a hallmark symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and reflects the pervasive worry and anxiety experienced by individuals with this condition. People with GAD often report feeling restless or on edge, and muscle tension can lead to physical discomfort or pain. This symptom arises from the body's response to chronic stress and anxiety, manifesting in tightened muscles and a general sense of physical unease.

In the context of GAD, muscle tension is not just a random occurrence; it is integrally connected to the cognitive and emotional factors that characterize the disorder. Individuals may have a constant sense of dread or anxiety about various events, which can lead to persistent muscle tension as a physical manifestation of their mental state.

While other symptoms may be observed in different anxiety disorders or conditions, muscle tension stands out in GAD as a direct consequence of the chronic worry and hyper-arousal state that defines the disorder.