Anxiety is a normal and usually beneficial reaction to danger or stress. It can make us vigilant, concentrated, and prepared to act on threats. But when anxiety is excessive, chronic, and disrupts daily functioning, it can become an **anxiety disorder**. Knowing the distinction between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder is important for knowing when to get help. Here’s a close examination of when anxiety becomes a disorder. What Is Normal Anxiety? Normal anxiety is a transitory emotional state that occurs in response to a particular stressor, e.g., an exam, a job interview, or…