Anxiety is characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes. Anxiety is considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat. Anxiety is an emotion characterized by an unpleasant state of inner turmoil and includes feelings of dread over anticipated events. [1][2][3] Anxiety is different from fear in that fear is defined as the emotional response to a present threat, whereas anxiety is the anticipation of a future one. [4] Anxiety is characterized by prolonged physical, mental and emotional symptoms like nausea, muscle tension, fatigue, mood changes, sleep disturbances and more. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). Anxiety is a physiological and psychological response that occurs when the mind and body encounter stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar situations. It manifests as a feeling of discomfort, distress, or apprehension before a significant event. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause fear, dread and other symptoms that are out of proportion to the situation. There are several types, including generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias and social anxiety disorder. Anxiety is fundamentally a state of tension or disquiet inside of us that we desire to resolve, and it is most accurately defined as stress directed toward some future event or uncertainty. A classic definition of anxiety is an intolerance of uncertainty. Learn about NIMH research on anxiety disorders. Find resources on the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders and potential treatments and therapies. Anxiety is a common emotion involving fear, tension, or worry in response to real or perceived threats. It triggers the body’s stress response, causing physical changes like an increased heart. Anxiety is a feeling of fear or apprehension that often occurs in response to stress. Anxiety that lasts 6 months or more and disrupts daily life may signal an anxiety disorder.