Even though symptoms commonly overlap, a person’s experience with these emotions differs based on context.
At a Glance
Anxiety and fear share much in common (and they often occur together).
Fear tends to be shorter-lived and happens in response to a clear causelike an environmental threat.
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Anxiety is often longer-lasting and can be more ambiguous.
Knowing how to recognize the differences can help you get the right treatment.
Anxiety vs.
Fear: How to Tell the Difference
Fear and anxiety both produce a similar stress response.
However, many experts believe that there are essential differences between the two.
These differences can account for how we react to various environmental stressors.
These bodily changes result from our inbornfight-or-flight stress responsecritical to survival.
What Is Anxiety?
This anxiety stems from your minds interpretation of the possible dangers.
What Is Fear?
Fear is an emotional response to a known or definite threat.
The danger is real, definite, and immediate.
There’s a clear and present object of the fear.
When faced with fear, most people will experience the physical reactions that are described under anxiety.
Fear can cause anxiety, and anxiety can cause fear.
However, the subtle distinctions between the two give you a better understanding of your symptoms.
It can also help you and your doctor decide which treatment strategies will be the most effective.
The exact distinctions between anxiety and fear can also be challenging for researchers.
Some have suggested that more research is needed to understand if the two are as different as previously suggested.
What Causes Anxiety and Fear?
While we often think of fear as a negative, distressing state, it can also have benefits.
Fear and anxiety are associated with many mental health conditions.
Facing your fear (in a safe way) is often one of the best ways to overcome it.
The more often you engage in activities you fear, the less frightening they become.
Over time, you’ll become more comfortable and able to face the challenge without experiencing fear.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.
Tovote P, Fadok JP, Luthi A.Neuronal circuits for fear and anxiety.Nat Rev Neurosci.
Wolters Kluwer; 2015.
Daniel-Watanabe L, Fletcher PC.Are fear and anxiety truly distinct?Biol Psychiatry Glob Open Sci.
2015;44(5):718-719.
