ABSTRACT
Fear is a basic response to danger. As such, fear is adaptive. If danger did not rapidly induce an unpleasant mental state and avoidance behavior, animals might quickly be overwhelmed by a hostile environment. Although human beings still face dangers, the modern environment is relatively safe. Yet the neurobiology that induces fear responses persists. If a fear response occurs in a setting where it is maladaptive, an anxiety disorder is present. The anxiety disorders include panic disorder and agoraphobia, specific and social phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Anxiety disorders are characterized by fear responses in settings where they are maladaptive.
