Which of the following is a symptom of anxiety disorders?

The presence of excessive worry is a hallmark symptom of anxiety disorders. Individuals with anxiety disorders often experience persistent and uncontrollable feelings of worry and fear about various aspects of their lives. This can manifest as excessive concern about everyday activities, future events, or situations that may not even pose a real threat.

Excessive worry can be debilitating, leading to avoidance of certain situations, significant distress, or impairments in social and occupational functioning. Recognizing this symptom is crucial in the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders, as it helps guide appropriate therapeutic interventions.

In contrast, elevated dopamine levels are more commonly associated with neurochemical changes in mood disorders or schizophrenia rather than specifically pointing to anxiety. Persistent sadness is typically linked to depressive disorders, while substance misuse might occur as a coping mechanism for those struggling with anxiety but is not a defining symptom of the anxiety disorder itself.