DEFINITION

Anxiety is an inner, nervous uneasiness that can color thoughts, behaviors, and physical sensations.

• A state of high arousal
• Characterized by inhibition of parasympathetic system
• Natural state, common to all animals
• Often a productive driving force
• Preparatory state for danger in the future
• Facilitates the activation of appropriate fear

Worry, a cognitive component of anxiety, includes a variety of mental attempts to avoid anticipated potential threats.

• On its own, worry has no bodily consequences or increased physical arousal.
• Worry is the "thought" component of anxiety.
• In moderation, worry is just another word for preparation.
• One may suffer from over preparation.

Anxiety, when appropriate, serves important roles as a preparatory state, motivator, and performance enhancer. However, when it is inappropriately severe, chronic, or unwarranted, it can be disabling. Both normal and pathological anxiety can exist as either a trait (an aspect of a person’s general temperament) or a state (a temporary condition).

Clinical anxiety is an emotional and physical response to a real or perceived danger that is not only highly distressing but can also lead to avoidance behaviors that impair functioning.

• Emotional anxiety:
  • Expectation or anticipatory fear
  • Hypervigilance
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Insomnia
• Physical anxiety:
  • Autonomic hyperactivity, including increased heart rate, palpitations, increased work of breathing, nausea, vomiting
  • Muscle tension, tremor