In which of the following patients is paroxetine recommended for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Paroxetine is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) frequently used as a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). When considering the options, the scenario involving a woman anxious about her grandchild's safety represents a situation that aligns with the characteristics of GAD. Patients with GAD often experience excessive anxiety and worry about various life situations, including family matters, which is reflected in her anxiety regarding her grandchild.

In contrast, the other options present scenarios that may not meet the criteria for GAD. For example, work-related stress in a younger man might be situational rather than generalized anxiety, and exam anxiety in a teenager typically relates to a specific event rather than a pervasive pattern of excessive worrying. Lastly, an adult with social phobia is more focused on social situations rather than the broader and more pervasive concerns indicative of GAD. Therefore, the recommendation of paroxetine aligns closely with the characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder as depicted in the situation of the woman concerned about her grandchild's safety.