Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Frequent sleeping issues are indeed a characteristic symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD often experience excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of their lives, which can lead to difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep. This persistent anxiety state increases physiological arousal and stress levels, contributing to disrupted sleep patterns.

In contrast, sudden intense fear reactions are more indicative of panic attacks, which may occur in Panic Disorder. Intrusive thoughts about harm are typically associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), where individuals may feel compelled to engage in certain behaviors to alleviate anxiety. Obsession with cleanliness is also a hallmark of OCD, reflecting a preoccupation with orderliness or cleanliness specifically, rather than the more generalized worry seen in GAD. By recognizing the symptoms and their associations with specific disorders, one can better understand the nuances of anxiety-related conditions.