In psychological terms, what is a hallmark characteristic of anxiety disorders?

In psychological terms, a hallmark characteristic of anxiety disorders is unrealistic fears. Individuals with anxiety disorders often experience persistent and excessive worry about a variety of issues that may not be proportionate to the actual threat or situation. This can manifest as phobias, generalized anxiety, or panic attacks, where the level of fear or anxiety is skewed compared to the normal response to potential dangers.

Unrealistic fears lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning as individuals may avoid certain situations or become overly alarmed by mild stressors. This feature differentiates anxiety disorders from other mental health conditions, as the focus is on the disproportionate nature of fears and anxiety, which can vary widely among individuals.

The other responses are relevant to different psychological concerns but do not encapsulate the defining element of anxiety disorders as clearly. Excessive energy might be associated with other conditions like mania but isn’t a standard characteristic of anxiety. Disordered thinking may appear in various disorders, including schizophrenia, rather than being exclusive to anxiety. Suicidal tendencies can occur in numerous mental health conditions, not just anxiety disorders, and while they may be present in cases of severe anxiety, they do not define the disorder itself. Thus, the emphasis on unrealistic fears is what solidifies it as