Worry and fear are core symptoms of which diagnosis?

• A. Depression
• B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• C. Anxiety
• D. Autism Spectrum Disorder

Answer: (C)

Worry and fear are central features of anxiety disorders. In children and adolescents, anxiety shows up as persistent, excessive worry about future events or potential dangers, paired with fear responses that are disproportionate to the situation and cause distress or impairment in daily life (at school, with friends, or at home). This pattern can appear in various forms, such as generalized worry about many things, fear of social situations, separation from caregivers, or specific phobias, but the common thread is the ongoing worry and fear.

Depression centers more on a persistent low mood, loss of interest, and changes in energy, sleep, or appetite, rather than worry and fear as the defining features. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is characterized by defiant, argumentative, and hostile behavior toward authority, not primarily by worry or fear. Autism Spectrum Disorder involves social-communication challenges and restricted, repetitive behaviors, with anxiety potentially present but not the defining symptom.

So, the presentation best described by worry and fear is anxiety.