What is the main difference between Generalised Anxiety Disorder and the other anxiety disorders, such as Specific Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder?

The main difference between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and other anxiety disorders like Specific Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder lies in the nature and focus of the anxiety.

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This is characterized by chronic, excessive, and uncontrollable worry about a variety of everyday problems for at least six months. The worry is often disproportionate to the actual source of worry. It's not focused on any specific threat and is often associated with physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, concentration problems, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

2. Specific Phobia: This is an excessive and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that is typically not harmful. People with specific phobias are highly distressed about having the fear, and go to great lengths to avoid the feared object or situation, to a degree greater than the actual danger posed.

3. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): This is characterized by a significant amount of fear in one or more social situations causing considerable distress and impaired ability to function in at least some parts of daily life. These fears can be triggered by perceived or actual scrutiny from others.

In summary, while GAD is characterized by a general and persistent sense of worry, other anxiety disorders like Specific Phobia and Social Anxiety Disorder are more focused on specific situations or objects.