There's anxiety (a feeling of nervousness or unease, in presence of a real or perceived threat or danger), which is normal and useful - you feel anxious before

There's anxiety (a feeling of nervousness or unease, in presence of a real or perceived threat or danger), which is normal and useful - you feel anxious before giving a public speech, or asking someone out. Panic is a stronger version of anxiety, but it can be justified and also be useful - you will feel it if you get attacked by an enraged dog or when you see a man running towards you with a knife. Then there's Anxiety Disorder, which is a mental condition. There's many subtypes. They prevent the individual from having a normal life, and/or are uncontrollable. They are not useful. One anxiety disorders manifest in Panic Attacks, which can feel similar to a heart attack and happen seemingly randomly. > ineffective survival mechanisms Yes, when anxiety gets "ineffective" it has become Anxiety Disorder. A healthy dose of fear of being run over by a car when crossing the street is useful and normal. Not being able to get out of your house because you are afraid of cars is a disorder.