Final answer:
Sam's complaints reflect symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, which are subjective experiences reported by the patient, like feelings of worry and physical changes such as muscle tension. Unlike signs that can be objectively measured, symptoms are quantified using self-report measures and are crucial for diagnosing GAD. So the correct answer is option (B).
Step-by-step explanation:
Sam's complaints of muscular tension and a constant, nagging sense of worry or apprehension are symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Unlike signs, which can be observed or measured objectively by others, symptoms are subjective experiences of the patient and are reported by the individual experiencing them. In the case of GAD, these could include a wide range of psychological and physical sensations, such as feelings of excessive worry and tension, and physical changes like an increased heart rate or sweating.
In a clinical setting, symptoms like those Sam is experiencing are often quantified using self-report measures. For instance, to better gauge the intensity of pain, scales like the Wong-Baker Faces pain-rating scale can be used, asking patients to rate their pain on a numeric scale. This is crucial in ensuring a better understanding and treatment of the disorder.
However, measuring psychological symptoms is more challenging due to their subjective nature and relies heavily on patients' self-reports, like Sam's. Understanding and identifying these symptoms are critical steps in diagnosing GAD and other anxiety disorders.