Anxiety Disorders

Question 0

What are the main diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder?

Answer 0

Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others.
Person fears they will act in a way or show anxiety symptoms that will be negatively evaluated
The social situations almost always provoke fear
The social situations are avoided or endured with intense fear
Fear is out of proportion to actual threat
Lasting for 6 months or more

Question 1

What are the main diagnostic criteria for specific phobia?

Answer 1

Marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation
The phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear
Phobic object or situation is avoided or endured with intense fear
The fear is out of proportion to the actual danger
Lasting for 6months or more
Causing clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning

Question 2

What are the main diagnostic criteria for panic disorder?

Answer 2

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks. - an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and during which time 4 or more symptoms are present: palpitations or pounding heart; sweating; trembling or shaking; shortness of breath; feelings of choking; chest pain or discomfort; nausea or abdominal pain; feeling dizzy or faint; chills or heat sensations; numbness or tingling; derealisation (unreality) or depersonalisation (being detached from self); fear of loosing control or going crazy; fear of dying
At least one of the attacks has been followed by 1month or more of 1 or both of the following: persistent concern or worry about having another panic attack or significant maladaptive changes I behaviour related to the attacks

Question 3

What are the main diagnostic criteria for agoraphobia?

Answer 3

Marked fear or anxiety about 2 or more of the following situations:
Using public transport; being in open spaces; being in enclosed spaces; standing in line or being in a crowd; being outside of the home alone
Individual fears or avoids these situations because of thoughts that escape might be difficult or help might not be available in the event of developing panic-like symptoms
These situations always provoke fear
These situations are avoided
Lasting 6months or more

Question 4

What are the main diagnostic criteria for generalised anxiety disorder?

Answer 4

Excessive anxiety and worry, occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities
Individual finds it difficult to control the worry
3 or more symptoms present: restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge; being easily fatigued; difficulty concentrating or mind going blank; irritability; muscle tension; sleep disturbance
Symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment