Which characteristic is identified with pathological anxiety?

Pathological anxiety is characterized by creating chronic stress and fear responses that can persist over an extended period, impacting an individual's daily functioning and well-being. Unlike normal anxiety, which is often situational and transient, pathological anxiety leads to a prolonged state of apprehension and dread that does not correlate with actual threats. This persistent anxiety can manifest through various symptoms, including excessive worry, heightened physiological responses, and a tendency to avoid certain situations due to fear.

In contrast, the characteristics attributed to the other options highlight either the temporary nature of typical anxiety responses or limit it to physical manifestations, neither of which accurately reflects the lasting and pervasive nature of pathological anxiety.