Table 3. Common Worry versus Anxiety Disordersa
| Symptoms of Common or Normal Worry | More Serious Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders |
| aAdapted from Nicholas.[17] | |
| Worry comes and goes. | Worry seems constant. |
| Has some difficulty in concentrating. | Is unable to concentrate. |
| Is able to "turn off thoughts" most of the time. | Is unable to "turn off thoughts" most of the time. |
| Has occasional trouble falling asleep. | Has trouble falling asleep and/or wakes up early most nights. |
| Has occasional crying spells that seem to provide some relief. | Has frequent crying spells that interfere with daily activities. |
| Fear and apprehension are clearly connected to some upcoming event (e.g., start of treatment, doctor appointment, or receipt of test results). | Fear and apprehension are more "free floating" and seem to be present most of the time. |
| Has few, if any, physical symptoms (e.g., racing heart, dry mouth, shaky hands, or restlessness). | Has many physical symptoms (e.g., racing heart, dry mouth, shaky hands, restlessness, fidgetiness, or feeling keyed up). |
| Has ways to reduce anxiety (e.g., distraction by staying busy). | Has few, if any, ways to reduce anxiety. |
References
- Nicholas DR: Emotional Side Effects of Cancer: Distinguishing Normal Distress from Mental Disorders [brochure]. Muncie, Ind: Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University, 2008.
