American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the ABIM Certification Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Get ready to succeed!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is a potential consequence of generalized anxiety disorder if left untreated?

  1. Improvement in mental health

  2. Enhanced work performance

  3. Impairment in school or work settings

  4. Reduction in daily worries

The correct answer is: Impairment in school or work settings

The potential consequence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) if left untreated is impairment in school or work settings. GAD is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, which can lead to significant distress and difficulty functioning. Individuals with GAD often find it challenging to concentrate, meet deadlines, or engage fully in their responsibilities, which can result in diminished performance at school or work. Untreated anxiety can exacerbate these issues over time, leading to increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and poorer social interactions. The cumulative impact of these challenges can significantly hinder a person’s academic or occupational success, making this outcome a critical consideration in understanding the effects of untreated GAD.