The primary distinction between fear and anxiety is that fear is directed at a specific stimuli; whereas, anxiety is more a general feeling of apprehension about the future (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), social phobia, panic disorders with or without agoraphobia, acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), general anxiety disorder (GAD), disorders due to medical conditions, and any other specific disorders can all result from excessive anxiety. In the continued study of generalized anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear and anxiety are a completely normal responses, but when those sensations are absent, chances of psychological dysfunction may occur.
… Furthermore, people who are affected by GAD tend to, “…fixate on perceived dangers and threats…overestimate the severity of the perceived danger, and drastically underestimate their ability to cope” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 147). These cognitive representations can lead to cycles of worry and anxiety. Lastly, GAD can, “contribute to a wide variety of physical symptoms (such as dry mouth, nausea, or sweating) that may prevent them from pursuing or enjoying social relationship and new experiences” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p.