Anxiety (also called angst or worry ) is a psychological and physiological state characterized by somatic , emotional , cognitive , and behavioral components. It is the displeasing feeling of fear and concern. The root meaning of the word anxiety is to vex or trouble ; in either presence or absence of psychological stress, anxiety can create feelings of fear, worry, uneasiness, and dread. Anxiety is considered to be a normal reaction to a stressor . It may help an individual to deal with a demanding situation by prompting them to cope with it. When anxiety becomes excessive, it may fall under the classification of an anxiety disorder .