What is defined as a group of mental disorders involving excessive fear or anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear or anxiety that can significantly interfere with an individual's daily functioning. This category includes disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Each of these conditions is marked by heightened feelings of apprehension or dread in the absence of real danger.

Fear is typically a response to an immediate threat, while anxiety often relates to the anticipation of future threats. In anxiety disorders, the emotional response can be disproportionate to the actual situation, leading to various physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. The identification of these disorders is crucial for effective treatment, as they often require specific therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication.

In contrast, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, and mood disorders focus on different aspects of mental health. Personality disorders pertain to enduring patterns of behavior and inner experiences that deviate from cultural expectations, adjustment disorders deal with emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to stressful life changes, and mood disorders center primarily around disturbances in mood, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Each of these categories addresses distinct clinical presentations and treatment needs, clearly differentiating them from anxiety disorders.