Fear.

An emotional response characterized by an expectation of harm or unpleasantness.

Usually associated with behavior that attempts to avoid or flee a threatening situation.

Patient is usually aware of the specific danger and has some understanding into the reasons for the fear.

Common indications of fear include:

• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate).
• Dry mouth.
• Constipation.
• Hypertension.
• Increased perspiration.
• The “fight or flight” reaction (alertness and readiness for action in order to avoid or escape harm).

Anxiety.

An emotional response characterized by feelings of uneasiness and apprehension of a probable danger or misfortune.

Patient who is anxious usually is unaware of the cause of the anxiety.

Behaviors are similar to those seen with the fear, but are not usually as dramatic.

Because the patient does not know its specific cause, he/she usually focuses on the physiologic symptoms of anxiety, to include:

• Fatigue.
• Insomnia.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Urgency.
• Nausea.
• Anorexia.
• Excessive perspiration.

Stress.

A state of strain or tension.

Occurs in situations, which require an increased and often prolonged effort to adjust.

Any factor that disturbs the physical, psychological, or physiological homeostasis of the body may be stressful.

As with fear, the body tries to rid itself of the factor causing the stress.

Physical signs of stress include:

• Ulcers.
• Hair loss.
• Insomnia.

Over Dependency or Feelings of Helplessness.

Over dependency is a response characterized by feelings of helplessness while trying to search for help and understanding (to an extent beyond what is considered normal).

Helplessness is a response characterized by feelings of being unable to avoid an unpleasant experience.

While healthy people may show some degree of dependence on others during illness, this dependence often increases to the point of being harmful to the patient.

The over dependent patient may be fearful or angry.