How does anxiety differ from anxiety disorder?

Anxiety differs from anxiety disorders primarily in their intensity and duration, as well as the degree to which they disrupt daily functioning. Anxiety is a normal emotional response to stress that can be experienced by anyone in reaction to challenging or threatening situations. It is often seen in everyday experiences, such as feeling nervous before a test or public speaking.

In contrast, anxiety disorders represent a more severe and chronic manifestation of anxiety that is excessive and often irrational. These disorders can interfere significantly with a person’s ability to carry out normal daily activities, affecting relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Individuals with anxiety disorders may experience symptoms that persist over a longer duration and are not necessarily tied to specific stressful situations.

Thus, understanding that anxiety can be a normal, temporary response while anxiety disorders indicate a pervasive and disproportionate level of anxiety helps distinguish between these two concepts.