Psychology of Emotions: Anxiety, Fear, Panic

What is the primary characteristic of fear?

What is the term used to describe the idea that humans have a tendency to worry about possible future threats due to their ability to plan for the future?

What is the primary difference between anxiety and fear?

What is the term used to describe a sudden overwhelming reaction to a perceived threat?

What is the term used to describe concerns about possible future threats?

What is the term used to describe an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms?

Anxiety and Fear

Anxiety is a future-oriented state characterized by negative affect, focusing on the possibility of uncontrollable danger or misfortune.
Fear is a present-oriented state characterized by strong escapist tendencies and a surge in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system in response to current danger.

Panic and Worry

Panic is a sudden overwhelming reaction, named after the Greek god Pan.
Worry is a largely cognitive or thinking concept that refers to concerns about possible future threat.

Panic Attack and Disorder

A panic attack represents the alarm response of real fear without actual danger, can be unexpected or expected.
Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include:
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Abdominal distress

Historical Context

Howard Liddell (1949) proposed that anxiety is connected to human intelligence, calling it the “shadow of intelligence.”
Liddell believed that humans' ability to plan for the future leads to a feeling of uncertainty and the need to be prepared for possible negative outcomes.

Understand the differences between anxiety, fear, panic, and worry with definitions and characteristics. Learn about the psychological aspects of these emotions.