What is an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorders are indeed classified as mental illnesses marked by excessive worry and fear. This can manifest in various ways, including persistent anxiety that can interfere with daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. Individuals experiencing anxiety disorders may find themselves overwhelmed by their concerns, which can trigger physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and irritability.

Understanding this classification is crucial, as it helps differentiate anxiety disorders from other types of mental health conditions. While a state of relaxation represents the antithesis of anxiety, and other mood disorders involve variations in emotional states that don't align with anxiety, the defining feature of anxiety disorders lies in that pervasive worry and anxiety that disrupt a person's functioning. This makes choice B the most accurate representation of what an anxiety disorder entails.