Anxiety: quick facts
Anxiety is the apprehensive, future-oriented state related to fear, but directed at anticipated or uncertain threats rather than a present, specific danger. A normal amount of anxiety is adaptive — it sharpens attention…
Category
Moods & related states
Valence
Negative
Emotion family / blend
Fear
Typical triggers
Anticipated or uncertain future threat
How it's expressed
Restlessness, tension, racing thoughts, vigilance
Sources: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — Anxiety Disorders; American Psychological Association — APA Dictionary: emotion. Educational information only — not medical or psychological advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.