A client has been experiencing uncontrolled anxiety. His symptoms include edginess, sleep changes, fatigue, and significant distress. To meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, these symptoms must be present for _____ months or longer.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (also known as the DSM-5) clearly specified that for a proper diagnosis to be made, the illness must have present for at least 6 months.