What is a common symptom of anxiety disorders?

Emotional distress and fear are hallmark symptoms of anxiety disorders. Individuals experiencing these disorders often report persistent feelings of apprehension, worry, and general anxiety that can significantly impede their daily functioning. This emotional distress can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased heart rate.

In contrast, excessive confidence in social settings, intensely focused attention on tasks, and high levels of energy and enthusiasm are not typical characteristics associated with anxiety disorders. These traits are more aligned with positive experiences or states of mind that reduce anxiety, such as self-assuredness in social interactions or motivation in work settings. Thus, emotional distress and fear stand out as defining features of anxiety disorders, making them the correct response to the question.