Fear is an emotion. Everyone has felt fear in different forms. It protects us from danger. However, if anxiety is felt extremely strongly and occurs particularly frequently or over a longer period of time, so that everyday life is severely impaired, it may be an anxiety disorder. If anxiety disorders are not diagnosed and treated at an early stage, there is a risk that the anxiety will become chronic.
A distinction is made between anxiety and fear. Fear relates to something very specific, whereas anxiety often causes general uncertainty. A distinction can be made between different forms and manifestations of fear and anxiety, which can range all the way to pathological anxiety.
If fears are experienced in a directed and focused way, we speak of phobias, for example of animals or situations such as fear of heights or claustrophobia. Fears can also be experienced as diffuse or unfocused, for example in panic attacks.
Anxiety can trigger insecurity, inner restlessness, worry or nervousness and tension. Other symptoms may include somatic changes such as
- dizziness
- rapid heartbeat
- hypotension
- hyperventilation
- trembling
sweating
People who have experienced anxiety as a very debilitating emotion often develop avoidance behavior. They panic about being confronted with such a situation again.
The triggers of anxiety disorders are varied. They range from biological causes to psychosocial and biographical stress and developments. There can also be several causes at the same time.
Tanja Rutenbeck
Secretariat Center for Special Pain Medicine
- Phone+49 2351 945-2510
- Fax+49 2351 945-2522
- sekretariat.welke@hellersen.de
Outpatient clinic
Phone +49 2351 945-2513 or -2514
Fax +49 2351 945-2511
sekretariat.welke@hellersen.de
