GAD, Social Phobia, Separation Anxiety and Panic Disorder

Question 1

What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Answer 1

Excessive anxiety and worry about various aspects of life, persisting for at least 6 months. Difficulty controlling worry, along with three or more symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance

Question 2

How does Generalised Anxiety Disorder differ from other anxiety disorders?

Answer 2

By the chronic nature of worry, and anxiety that is generalised to multiple areas of that persons life

Question 3

What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Answer 3

Excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from attachment figures, seen as developmentally inappropriate. Duration of at least 4 weeks in children and 6 months in adults, causing significant distress or impairment

Question 4

How do we differentiate separation anxiety from other anxiety disorders?

Answer 4

Separation anxiety is being fearful/avoidant of being separated from perceived attachment figure which is excessive for the developmental age. Cognitive ideation is anticipation about separation that causes significant distress

Question 5

What is Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer 5

Marked be fear or anxiety about being judged or negatively evaluated in social situations, lasting for more than 6 months and causing significant distress or impairment

Question 6

What differentiates social anxiety disorder from other anxiety disorders?

Answer 6

Being fearful/avoidant of social situations where there is potential to be scrutinised. Cognitive ideation is around fear of being negatively evaluated, embarrassed, humiliated or rejected by others

Question 7

What is Panic Disorder?

Answer 7

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, characterised by abrupt surges of intense fear or discomfort. At least one panic attack followed by persistent concern about having more attacks, and significant behavioural changes related to the attacks

Question 8

What differentiates panic disorder from other anxiety disorders

Answer 8

panic disorder is primarily about being fearful/avoidant of having panic attacks. Cognitive ideation is about concern over having another panic attacked and changes in behaviour to prevent this