5 Differences Between Pathological Anxiety And Adaptive Anxiety
Currently, the word anxiety has a predominantly negative connotation. However, at the base, it is not a question of a good or a bad state as such but of a survival mechanism specific to the human condition. If, in the face of real danger, we did not feel anxiety, we would not be able to prepare for it.
Anxiety works as a kind of red flag. The latter is activated when it detects the presence of something potentially harmful to ourselves. The activation that derives from anxiety then allows us to prepare for flight or fight. Therefore, its fundamental role is to protect and preserve our integrity and our life. This is what we call adaptive anxiety.
Everything is different when there is no real threat. Anxiety is activated, but then it comes from imaginary or imprecise dangers. This is when the problems start. People end up reacting with powerful bursts of anxiety to an insignificant or even non-existent stimulus. This state then tends to be prolonged and to reach high levels of intensity. It is about pathological anxiety.
To better understand this topic, let’s study the aspects that mark the difference between pathological anxiety and adaptive anxiety.
1. Intensity
Intensity is one of those factors that marks a big difference between adaptive anxiety and pathological anxiety. In the first case, this intensity is proportional to the estimate that we make of the damage potential of the stimulus.
If we find ourselves facing a lion in a field, it is likely that our activation level will explode. On the other hand, if we take an exam or get stuck in a traffic jam, this activation will probably be less intense.
When it comes to pathological anxiety, the intensity is usually very high: there is a gap between the degree of real threat posed by the stimulus and that which the person estimates. Thus, crossing a street can turn into a real source of terror. Or look through the window of a skyscraper, even if we are protected by glass.
2. Frequency, a factor that makes a difference
Another element that marks an important difference is the frequency. In adaptive anxiety, episodes occur if there is a concrete stimulus powerful enough to trigger it. However, this does not happen frequently. Many days can go by without us facing a serious threat.
In terms of pathological anxiety, on the other hand, the episodes are quite frequent. This is the very definition of pathology: it leads to an imbalance of negative consequences in a person’s life.
In the most extreme cases, we imagine dangers everywhere. If the person is at home, they may fear an earthquake at any moment. If she is outside, in the street, she imagines that she is going to be attacked or run over by a car.
3. The level of reaction
The level of response in adaptive anxiety is what you would expect with a “normal” person. Running, whether to protect yourself from an object that is falling or to hide if there is an assassin or an animal attacking us. This is what any rational person would do.
With regard to pathological anxiety, the reactions are disproportionate. The person loses control and acts erratically, even if there is no obvious danger. This is the case, for example, of those who wash their hands 500 times a day for fear of being contaminated by a virus.
4. The duration
Another important element is the length of the episodes. In terms of adaptive anxiety, episodes have a limited duration. They appear when a risk or danger arises and become diluted when this stimulus disappears.
On the other hand, with pathological anxiety, these states have a prolonged duration. The state does not disappear completely: rather it tends to generate a kind of emotional echo that is maintained. When the person loses control, it is very difficult to regain it.
5. The depth
In adaptive anxiety, we find suffering. The latter is however transitory and only reaches a determined point. In general, it eventually fades and leaves hardly any traces in everyday life. Once the fear has passed, the person can return to their activities.
In pathological anxiety, the degree of suffering is much higher. We feel it deeply and it leaves a visible mark in the person’s life. One way or another, the experience begins to affect the development of his life.
Another element is also linked to this point and marks an important difference between the two types of anxiety. With regard to pathological anxiety, we see the development of what is called an “anticipation component”. In fact, the person expects the stimulus that causes him anxiety to reappear. This is why she cannot live serenely.
Thus, adaptive anxiety is a very reasonable reaction to situations that activate our survival mechanisms. In contrast, pathological anxiety is a condition that includes large irrational components and for which professional treatment is necessary.
Our thoughts The Hamilton Anxiety Scale, while not diagnostic, measures the degree of anxiety in each person.
