What is Anxiety?

 

Anxiety is a cluster of disorders characterized by excessive fear and anxiety that provoke behavioral disturbances. It is essential to understand that some words used to define any disorder sometimes have an ordinary meaning for the public, like “fear”; however, when used in a clinical setting, these words have a more comprehensive nature than the popular one. Although fear and anxiousness may overlap in your head, the truth is they are distinct in how they express themselves. Fear seems more automatic in nature, provoking a sense of fight or flight in the person, thoughts of immediate danger either because of a real situation or a perceived one. In contrast, anxiety can be described more physically: muscle tension, vigilance, or future threat.

Anxiety can happen by itself as a stand-alone disorder but also may accompany other disorders as well. In the clinical field, there are called “comorbid” disorders. The difference between one anxiety disorder and others is the type of object or situation that induce fear or anxiety. It is important to remember that anxiety is a normal response of every living organism, including humans. Without the features of fear and anxiety, our evolutionary path would be different, and maybe you will not be reading this web page right now. Although, if these two reactions become excessive, they are considered a disorder. Things like how long you experience fear or anxiety (Period), overestimating the situation or danger you face, (Over-reacting), 

Among the anxiety disorders, we may find:

- Separation Anxiety Disorder

- Selective Mutism

- Specific Phobias

- Social Anxiety

- Panic Disorders

- General Anxiety

- Substance/Medication Induce Anxiety

- Anxiety due to medical conditions