Anxiety Disorders

Question 0

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Answer 0

Developmentally inappropriate and excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from those to whom the individual is attached, evidenced by at least 3 of the following:
Excessive distress when anticipating or experiencing separation from home or major attachment figures; persistent or excessive worry about losing major attachment figures; excessive worry about experiencing an untoward event(loss, kidnapped) persistent reluctance or refusal to go out; persistent fear about being alone; persistent reluctance or refusal to sleep away from home or attachment figure; frequent nightmares revolving separation; repeated complaints of physical symptoms when separation occurs
The fear anxiety or avoidance is persistent lasting at least 4 weeks in children & adolescents; 6 months or longer in adults

Question 1

Anxiety Building Blocks

Answer 1

Agoraphobia-anxiety about place/situation either escape is difficult or help not available; avoids situations, endures distress or requires companion
Panic Attacks-suddenly develops extreme fear peaking in 10 min
During this episode 4 or more: chest pain, chills/hot flashes, choking sensation, derealization, dizziness, fear of dying, fear of loss of control, heart pounding/racing, nausea, numbness, sweating, shortness of breath, trembling

Question 2

Selective Mutism

Answer 2

Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations in which there is an expectation for speaking
The disturbance interferes with education/occupational achievement
Disturbance is at least one month

Question 3

Specific Phobia

Answer 3

Marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation either present or anticipated
**in children fear may be expressed by crying, tantrums, freezing or clinging
Phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety, it is actively avoided or endured with intense fear or anxiety
Fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed
Fear or anxiety lasting for 6 months or longer

Question 4

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer 4

Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations involving facing strangers or being watched by others
**In children the anxiety must occur in peer settings & not just during interactions with adults
Fears that he or she will act in a way to be negatively evaluated
Either avoids phobic stimulus or endures with anxiety or distress
Fear or anxiety out of proportion to actual threat
Must have symptoms 6 months or longer

Question 5

Panic Disorder

Answer 5

Recurrent panic attacks for one month or more must include at least 4 of the symptoms of a panic attack
At least one of the attacks has been followed by one month or more of one or both of the following:
Persistent concern or worry about panic attacks
A significant meal adaptive change in behavior related to the attacks

Question 6

Agoraphobia

Answer 6

Marked fear or anxiety about 2 or more:
-Using public transportation 
-Being in open spaces
-Standing in line or being in a crowd 
-Being outside of the home alone
Individual avoids or fears these situations

Question 7

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer 7

Excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months about a number events or activities
Has difficulty controlling these feelings
Anxiety & worry associated with 3 or more:
Restlessness/edgy
Being easily fatigued
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Irritability
Muscle tension
Sleep disturbances
Causes significant distress or impairment