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Fear is a normal response to certain stimuli; it is an emotional response to either a real or a perceived imminent threat; anxiety is simply the anticipation of that future threat.[APA, 2013, pg. 189] The anxiety experienced within an anxiety disorder is more persistent than developmentally normative anxiety or fear (typically lasting more than six months).[APA, 2013, pg. 189] It is down to clinical judgment whether the fear or anxiety is out of proportion, because individuals with anxiety disorders will usually overestimate the dangers of certain situations which cause them anxiety.[APA, 2013, pg. 189]
Anxiety disorders are a common feature of psychotic disorders, and should not be diagnosed separately if the anxiety occurs during the course of the psychotic condition.[APA, 2013, pg. 225]
References:
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition (DSM-5™). © American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
Achim AM, Maziade M, Raymond E, et al. How prevalent are anxiety disorders in schizophrenia? A meta-analysis and critical review on a significant association. Schizophr Bull 2011; 37 (4): 811–821.
Buckley PF, Miller BJ, Lehrer DS, Castle DJ. Psychiatric comorbidities and schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2009; 35 (2): 383–402.
Nebioglu M, Altindag A. The prevalence of comorbid anxiety disorders in outpatients with schizophrenia. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2009; 13 (4): 312–317.
Kiran C, Chaudhury S. Prevalence of comorbid anxiety disorders in schizophrenia. Ind Psychiatry J 2016; 25 (1): 35–40.