Which broad category of mental disorders is defined by distressing, persistent anxiety or maladaptive coping strategies?

• A. Anxiety disorders
• B. Autism spectrum disorder
• C. ADHD
• D. Anorexia nervosa

Answer: (A)

Distressing, persistent anxiety or the use of maladaptive coping strategies to manage that anxiety defines anxiety disorders, a broad family of mental health conditions. In these disorders, worry or fear is excessive and long-lasting and leads to avoidance, safety behaviors, rumination, or other behaviors that fail to reduce distress over time. This category encompasses conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias, all marked by how central anxiety is to the person’s experience and functioning.

Other options point to different domains. Autism spectrum disorder centers on social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors rather than anxiety as the defining feature. ADHD involves patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Anorexia nervosa focuses on eating disturbances and body image concerns.