What are the hallmark symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

The hallmark symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) primarily revolve around excessive worry that is difficult for individuals to control, which is often accompanied by physical and emotional manifestations. In GAD, individuals frequently experience restlessness or feeling keyed up, along with irritability. These symptoms reflect the pervasive anxiety and tension that characterizes the disorder.

Excessive worry in GAD isn't limited to specific situations but rather extends across various aspects of life, including work, health, or social interactions, and can lead to significant distress or impairment in functioning. The combination of these elements, specifically excessive worry, restlessness, and irritability, makes this the most accurate choice for identifying the core symptoms of GAD.

Other options, such as hallucinations and delusions, are typically associated with psychotic disorders, while high energy levels and impulsivity suggest conditions like bipolar disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Memory loss and confusion may indicate cognitive issues or delirium but are not characteristic of GAD. Thus, option B is clearly indicative of the symptoms specifically related to generalized anxiety disorder.