Anxiety is a natural response to stress, characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease. While occasional anxiety is normal, persistent or excessive anxiety can interfere with daily life and may indicate an anxiety disorder. Symptoms often include restlessness, rapid heartbeat, difficulty concentrating, and physical discomfort.
Types of Anxiety
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.
Anxiety and Fear Compared
Anxiety and fear are closely related but may be distinct emotional responses. Both are part of our body's natural defense mechanism, but they differ in their triggers and how they manifest.
Fear is an immediate reaction to a clear and present danger. It's often acute, instinctual, and specific, like the fear of encountering a snake or being in a dangerous situation. Fear triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, preparing the body to respond to a real threat.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is more anticipatory and future-oriented. It arises from the possibility of danger, not necessarily its immediate presence. For instance, worrying about a speech you'll give next week or imagining a worst-case scenario are examples of anxiety. It tends to linger longer than fear and is often less specific, making it feel pervasive.
The two overlap because anxiety can sometimes arise as a result of fear, especially if past experiences have heightened sensitivity to certain triggers. While fear serves an evolutionary purpose to protect us from immediate harm, anxiety—when managed appropriately—can help us prepare for future challenges. However, chronic anxiety, unlike fear, can become debilitating if it persists without an actual threat.
Recent Journal Article
A recent review article titled "Anxiety Disorders: A Review" by Szuhany and Simon (2022) discusses the prevalence, symptoms, and treatments of anxiety disorders. It highlights that anxiety disorders affect approximately 34% of adults in the U.S. during their lifetime. The review emphasizes the effectiveness of treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs. It also discusses the importance of personalized treatment plans based on individual needs.
References
Resources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
Post Author
Geoffrey W. Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Evangel University, holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His postdoctoral work encompassed education and supervision in forensic and neuropsychology. As a licensed psychologist, he conducted clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and provided psychotherapy for patients in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. During his tenure as a professor, Dr. Sutton taught courses on psychotherapy, assessment, and research. He has authored over one hundred publications, including books, book chapters, and articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals. His website is https://suttong.com