Anxiety disorder

Question 1

What is the Clark & Wells model of social phobia?

Answer 1

The Clark & Wells model describes social anxiety as a cycle. It suggests that people with social anxiety tend to focus a lot on themselves during social situations.

1. Social situation (trigger)
2. Activation of negative self-beliefs (attention shifts inwards)
3. Perception of self as a social object
4. Somatic and cognitive behaviors (sweating, blushing, etc.)
5. Safety behaviors (avoid eye contact, rehearse what to say, etc.)

This creates a loop that perpetuates the individual’s social anxiety.

Question 2

What is the difference between fear and anxiety?

Answer 2

Fear is a natural and normal reaction to an immediate dangerous or life-threatening situation.

Anxiety is a global, future-oriented feeling, a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

Question 3

How is shyness different from social anxiety?

Answer 3

While there exist some similarities between the two, here are some key differences:

Shyness
- Shyness is typically mild and transitory. It typically passes as the individual becomes familiar with the new situation and people.
- Shyness is a normal personal quality that many people possess to some degree.

Social Anxiety
- Social anxiety is a disproportionate fear of social situations, it is much more pronounced than shyness and significantly affects the individual’s life.
- An individual with SA may display avoidance behaviors.
- It is common that physical symptoms are also present before or during the social situation, such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, nausea, panic attacks.

Question 4

What are the usual diagnostic criteria for social anxiety?

Answer 4

• Fear, anxiety, avoidance of social situations lasting for more than 6 months
• Clinically significant - big impact on the individual’s daily life
• The symptions can’t be attributed to other mental conditions
• The symptoms can’t be attributed to drug use or medications
• Generalized or applies to specific situations