The Difference Between Fear and Anxiety

The Difference Between Fear and Anxiety GAD Symptoms Print The Difference Between Fear and Anxiety They produce similar responses but for different reasons By Sheryl Ankrom linkedin Sheryl Ankrom is a clinical professional counselor and nationally certified clinical mental health counselor specializing in anxiety disorders. Learn about our editorial policy Sheryl Ankrom Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on June 19, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our Wellness Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on July 27, 2019 People Images / Getty Images More in GAD Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Coping Fear and anxiety often occur together but these terms are not interchangeable. Even though symptoms typically overlap, a persons experience with these emotions differs based on their context. Fear relates to a known or understood threat, whereas anxiety follows from an unknown, expected or poorly defined threat.?? Both Fear and Anxiety Produce a Stress Response Fear and anxiety produce similar responses to certain dangers. But many experts believe that there are important differences between the two. These differences can account for how we react to various stressors in our environment.?? Muscle tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath mark the most significant physiological symptoms associated with a response to danger. These bodily changes result from an inborn fight-or-flight stress response thought to be necessary for our survival. Without this stress response, our mind wouldnt receive the alerting danger signal and our bodies would be unable to prepare to flee or stay and battle when faced with danger. What Is Anxiety? According to psychiatrists Sadock, Sadock, and Ruiz, anxiety is a diffuse, unpleasant, vague sense of apprehension.?? Its often a response to an imprecise or unknown threat. For example, imagine you’re walking down a dark street. You may feel a little uneasy and perhaps you have a few butterflies in your stomach. These sensations are caused by anxiety that is related to the possibility that a stranger may jump out from behind a bush, or approach you in some other way and harm you. This anxiety is not the result of a known or specific threat. Rather it comes from your mind’s interpretation of the possible dangers that could immediately arise. Anxiety is often accompanied by many uncomfortable somatic (physical) sensations. Some of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety include:?? HeadachesMuscle pain and tensionSleep disturbances  Tightness felt throughout the body, especially in the head, neck, jaw, and faceChest painRinging or pulsing in earsExcessive sweatingShaking and tremblingCold chills or hot flushesAccelerated heart rateNumbness or tingling  Depersonalization and derealizationUpset stomach or nauseaShortness of breathFeeling like youre going insaneDizziness or feeling faint What Is Fear? Fear is an emotional response to a known or definite threat. If youre walking down a dark street, for example, and someone points a gun at you and says, “This is a stickup, then youd likely experience a fear response. The danger is real, definite, and immediate. Theres a clear and present object of the fear.?? Although the focus of the response is different (real vs. imagined danger), fear and anxiety are interrelated. When faced with fear, most people will experience the physical reactions that are described under anxiety. Fear causes anxiety, and anxiety can cause fear. But the subtle distinctions between the two give you a better understanding of your symptoms and may be important for treatment strategies. Getting Help for Fear and Anxiety Fear and anxiety are associated with many mental health conditions. These feelings of most often linked to anxiety disorders, such as specific phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. If fear and anxiety have become unmanageable, make an appointment with your doctor. He or she will want to discuss your current symptoms and your medical history to help determine a possible cause of your fear and anxiety. From there, expect your doctor to make a diagnosis or refer you to a specialty treatment provider for further assessment. Once diagnosed, you can start on a treatment plan  that can assist in reducing and controlling your fear and anxiety. Get Support With the Best Online Anxiety Support Groups