LMSW Practice Test

Sam, a fifty-year-old man experiencing pervasive anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and heart palpitations, most likely has:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

2. Post-traumatic stress disorder

3. Somatization disorder

4. Substance induced anxiety disorder

The correct answer is: Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The symptoms described—pervasive anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and heart palpitations—are characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is defined by excessive worry about various aspects of life that the individual finds difficult to control. Individuals with GAD often experience physical symptoms, such as fatigue and palpitations, linked to their anxiety. The presence of generalized symptoms affecting various aspects of life, rather than a specific triggering event or situation, aligns well with GAD. This disorder is chronic and can manifest in a variety of ways, including cognitive disturbances (difficulty concentrating) and somatic symptoms (fatigue and palpitations). Furthermore, GAD can affect daily functioning and quality of life, highlighting the pervasive nature of the anxiety. In contrast, the other options involve different diagnostic criteria. Post-traumatic stress disorder is typically linked to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, which is not indicated in this case. Somatization disorder involves the presence of physical symptoms without a medical explanation, but the symptoms presented here are more aligned with anxiety rather than a focus on bodily complaints. Lastly, substance-induced anxiety disorder would be indicative of anxiety symptoms occurring directly as a result of substance use or withdrawal, which is not suggested in