Which disorder is characterized by a persistent experience of anxiety that interferes with daily functioning?

Anxiety disorder is characterized by an ongoing experience of significant anxiety that impacts an individual's daily functioning. This type of disorder encompasses a range of conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Individuals with anxiety disorders often experience excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, which can hinder their ability to perform at work, maintain social relationships, or carry out everyday tasks. The pervasive nature of anxiety experienced by individuals with this disorder can lead to avoidance behaviors, further exacerbating their struggles with daily life.

In contrast, adjustment disorder typically arises as a response to a specific stressor, causing symptoms that are more situational and may not be as persistent or severe as those found in anxiety disorders. Conduct disorder refers to a pattern of behavior in youth marked by rule-breaking or violating the rights of others, which does not primarily involve persistent anxiety. Personality disorders involve pervasive patterns of thinking and behavior that deviate from societal expectations, but again, these are not predominantly characterized by anxiety as seen in anxiety disorders. Thus, anxiety disorder is the most fitting choice, capturing the essence of persistent anxiety affecting one’s capacity to function effectively in daily life.