What is a common feature of anxiety disorders?

A common feature of anxiety disorders is characterized by excessive nervousness and apprehension. Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders often experience heightened levels of anxiety that can lead to overwhelming feelings of fear and worry about future events or situations. This persistent feeling of unease can significantly impact daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Anxiety manifests in various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, among others. In these conditions, the excessive nervousness may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty concentrating, which further illustrates the pervasive nature of anxiety.

The other options, while representative of different mental health conditions, do not align with the defining characteristics of anxiety disorders. Persistent hallucinations are typically associated with psychotic disorders, extreme mood shifts are more indicative of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and ritualistic counting is a symptom that can be found in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, the defining trait of excessive nervousness and apprehension accurately captures a key aspect of anxiety disorders.