What defines Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are primarily characterized by overwhelming fear and stress that significantly impacts an individual's daily functioning. These disorders encompass a range of conditions where excessive anxiety and worry persist, often leading to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, or fatigue. Individuals dealing with anxiety disorders frequently find it challenging to carry out everyday activities, as their fears can be debilitating and prevent them from engaging in normal routines or social situations.

This definition aligns well with the nature of anxiety disorders, which include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, among others. Each of these conditions involves an intense and persistent fear response that goes beyond typical anxiety and is disproportionate to the actual threat posed by a situation.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of anxiety disorders. Periodic episodes of excitement refer more to mood disorders like bipolar disorder rather than anxiety. Behavioral issues in childhood are too broad and encompass a range of problems unrelated specifically to anxiety, while extreme mood fluctuations are indicative of mood disorders rather than the sustained anxiety and fear that define anxiety disorders.