While all people experience anxiety, those diagnosed with an anxiety disorder experience which of the following?

• A. Anxiety that occurs exclusively during childhood
• B. Anxiety only in response to actual physical danger
• C. Anxiety that is excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily functioning
• D. Anxiety that is always beneficial and improves performance

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the general concept of anxiety: Anxiety is a normal emotional response to stress or perceived threats, experienced by all people to some degree.
2. Recognize the difference between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders involve anxiety that is more intense, lasts longer, and is more disruptive than typical anxiety.
3. Identify key characteristics of anxiety disorders: These include anxiety that is excessive (beyond what the situation warrants), persistent (lasting for a long time), and interferes with daily functioning such as work, school, or relationships.
4. Evaluate the given options by comparing them to the characteristics of anxiety disorders: For example, anxiety only during childhood or only in response to physical danger does not capture the full scope of anxiety disorders.
5. Conclude that the correct description of anxiety disorders is anxiety that is excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily functioning, as this aligns with clinical definitions used in psychology.