Which finding would suggest generalized anxiety disorder instead of panic disorder?

The correct finding that suggests generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) rather than panic disorder is characterized by experiencing anxiety more days than not for at least six months. This is a defining feature of GAD, where the individual often feels persistent and excessive worry about a variety of issues, such as work, health, and social interactions. This chronic nature of worry is a hallmark of GAD, as individuals struggle to control their anxiety and often find it difficult to pinpoint a specific source of their anxious feelings.

In contrast, panic disorder is marked more by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which involve sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. The focus for individuals with panic disorder centers around fear of recurring attacks rather than a continuous state of anxiety.

The excessive concern about medically unexplained symptoms aligns more closely with health anxiety disorders. Rapid heart rate is a common physical symptom experienced during panic attacks but does not distinguish between the two disorders, as it can occur in both generalized anxiety and panic situations. The chronic worry and the emphasis on its duration are what make the finding indicative of GAD.