Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Anxiety disorders are characterized by which of the following?

1. Absence of fear or dread

2. Excessive, irrational fear or dread

3. Permanent mood elevation

4. Social detachment

The correct answer is: Excessive, irrational fear or dread

Anxiety disorders are primarily characterized by excessive and often irrational feelings of fear or dread. Individuals experiencing these disorders may have intense and persistent worry about various situations, which can significantly disrupt their daily lives. This heightened level of anxiety goes beyond typical stress responses and can manifest physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of anxiety disorders. The absence of fear or dread would suggest a sense of calm or contentment, which is not aligned with anxiety disorders. Permanent mood elevation describes a state typically associated with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder rather than anxiety. Finally, social detachment, while it may occur as a result of anxiety in certain contexts, is not a defining characteristic of anxiety disorders in general. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the core component of excessive, irrational fear or dread that is central to understanding anxiety disorders.