What is a commonly recognized symptom of anxiety disorders?

Excessive fear or worry is indeed a hallmark symptom of anxiety disorders. Individuals experiencing anxiety disorders often have persistent feelings of apprehension or dread that can interfere with their daily lives. This symptom can manifest in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder, where individuals worry excessively about various aspects of their lives, including health, relationships, and work. The intensity of this fear or worry can be disproportionate to the actual situation, leading to significant distress and functional impairment.

In contrast, persistent sadness is more characteristic of mood disorders like depression, while obsessive behaviors are typically associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Detachment from reality points more toward psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, rather than anxiety disorders. Understanding these distinctions is critical in recognizing and diagnosing mental health conditions accurately.