How does anxiety differ from ordinary fear?
Quick Answer
Fear is a response to a present threat, while anxiety is anticipation of a possible threat. Anxiety tends to be more diffuse and longer lasting.
The Full Story
Fear is usually tied to a clear and immediate danger, such as hearing a loud crash nearby. Anxiety is more about uncertainty and expectation, like worrying about something that might happen later. Both involve brain regions such as the amygdala, but anxiety also strongly engages networks involved in planning and uncertainty. In normal amounts, anxiety can be protective, but when it becomes excessive it can interfere with daily life. Clinical anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide.
Key Facts
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"Fear vs anxiety: what your brain is actually doing"
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