ABSTRACT
Introduction Generally, the words anxiety and stress are often used interchangeably, however, they are not the same. For the purpose of this chapter, stress (which is discussed in Chapter 10), is defined as a biochemical and adaptive response to threat in a variety of situations. Conversely, anxiety will be defined as an emotional and behavioral reaction resulting from acute or chronic stress. Anxiety is often described as excessive and ongoing fear, apprehension, dread, worry, or overall uneasiness occurring as a result of a real or perceived threat, the actual source of which is not identifiable. The focus of this anxiety can be driven by internal or external stimuli.
