Anxiety

An emotional and physiological state characterised by apprehension about future threats, accompanied by heightened autonomic arousal (elevated heart rate, muscle tension, shallow breathing), attentional bias toward danger cues, and often avoidance behaviour. Clinical anxiety disorders — including generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias — are among the most common mental-health conditions and are highly comorbid with autism, ADHD, chronic illness, and sensory-processing differences. For digital-accessibility practice, anxiety is a consequential design factor: inaccessible or unpredictable interfaces can trigger or worsen it, while well-designed tools (predictable behaviours, clear affordances, control over pacing, low-stakes undo) can reduce it. Technology-delivered interventions include cognitive-behavioural therapy apps, VR exposure therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness tools.