Phobias - Anxiety Disorders

Question 1

What are Anxiety disorders

Answer 1

Give the continuous feelings of fear which is disabling and can affect daily functioning

Question 2

What is a phobia

Answer 2

• Having a definite and persistent fear of a particular object or situation.
• Individual knows it is irrational but cannot control the fear
• If the fear disrupts day to day life the disorder may be diagnosed

Question 3

What are the ICD-10 characteristics

Answer 3

• Psychological symptoms must be primary manifestations, not secondary to other symptoms like delusions
• Anxiety must be restricted to the presence of the particular fear object
• Phobic situation is avoided wherever possible

Question 4

What are the DSM-IV characteristics

Answer 4

• Marked and persistent fear that is excessive
• Exposure to stimulus provokes immediate anxiety response
• Person knows the fear is excessive
• Phobic situation is avoided
• Phobic situation had lasted more than 6 months in under 18’s