Anxiety Disorders - Phobias Flashcards
Identify some of the physical symptoms of a phobia?
Shortness of breath, palpitations and loss of control
Define phobia
A definite, irrational and persistent fear of a particular object or situation which provokes an immediate response
How serious must a fear be to be diagnosed as a phobia?
If it disrupts the individuals day to day life
What are the two classifications of a phobia?
DSM-IV and ICD-10
How does DSM-IV define a phobia?
A marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable and affects the persons normal life
According to DSM-IV, what does a phobic stimulus provoke and how do patients prevent it?
An immediate anxiety response which means the phobic situation is usually avoided
How long must the phobia have been lasted to be diagnosed as such?
More than 6 months in people under 18 years of age
According to ICD-10, what must the symptoms be in order for a phobia to be diagnosed as such?
The psychological or autonomic symptoms must be primary manifestations of anxiety, and not secondary to other symptoms such as delusions
In the ICD-10 classification, what must the anxiety be restricted to?
The presence of the particular phobic object or situation and it is avoided wherever possible
