Anxiety is considered disordered if it is:

• A. persistent, excessive, and interferes with daily functioning
• B. brief and easily managed without distress
• C. always accompanied by physical illness
• D. experienced only in response to real danger

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of anxiety in psychological terms: Anxiety is a natural emotional response to perceived threats or stressors.
2. Recognize that anxiety becomes disordered when it is not proportional to the actual situation, meaning it is excessive or persistent beyond what is typical.
3. Identify key criteria for disordered anxiety, which include persistence over time, excessive intensity, and significant interference with daily functioning such as work, social life, or self-care.
4. Compare the options given: brief and easily managed anxiety is normal; anxiety always accompanied by physical illness is not a defining criterion; anxiety only in response to real danger is typical and not disordered.
5. Conclude that the correct characterization of disordered anxiety is when it is persistent, excessive, and interferes with daily functioning.