A state of worry, fear, unease, or apprehension about a perceived or anticipated threat, uncertainty, or stressful situation.
Anxiety can produce both emotional and physical responses, including restlessness, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, sweating, difficulty concentrating, or disturbed sleep. Some anxiety is a normal response to uncertainty or danger.
When anxiety is persistent, excessive, difficult to control, or significantly interferes with daily life, it may be part of an anxiety disorder.
QUICK FACT
Anxiety is not simply “being nervous.” It can involve coordinated changes in thoughts, emotions, behavior, and body functions.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Fear: usually a response to an identifiable or immediate threat, whereas anxiety more often concerns anticipated or uncertain threats.
SEE ALSO
