What is a characteristic symptom of anxiety disorders?

A characteristic symptom of anxiety disorders is the experience of a state of continuous alertness or worry. Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders often find themselves in a persistent state of apprehension, where they feel uneasy and fearful about potential threats or dangers, even if those threats are not immediately apparent. This heightened state of vigilance can lead to significant distress and impairment in day-to-day functioning, as those affected may constantly anticipate negative outcomes or excessive worry about various aspects of their life.

In contrast, intense euphoria and persistent happiness are not symptoms associated with anxiety disorders; rather, they could be more aligned with mood disorders, such as mania in bipolar disorder. A heightened sense of awareness to surroundings, while it may seem related, does not capture the essence of anxiety, as it implies a more situational awareness rather than a chronic state of worry or fear that characterizes anxiety disorders.