Phobic anxiety disorders

Question 1

Definition of a specific phobia

Answer 1

Marked fear of a specific object or situation leading to marked avoidance

Question 2

Definition of social anxiety disorder

Answer 2

Fear of negative evaluation by others leading to avoidance of social situations

Question 3

Definition of agoraphobia

Answer 3

Fear of entering a public space from which immediate escape would be difficult
Associated with panic disorders

Question 4

ICD10 criteria for agoraphobia

Answer 4

Marked fear/avoidance of at least 2 of crowds, public space, travelling alone, travelling away from home
At least 2 symptoms of anxiety
Emotional distress recognised as excessive/unreasonable
Symptoms restricted to feared situation

Question 5

ICD10 criteria for social anxiety disorder

Answer 5

Marked fear/avoidance of being centre of attention or embarrassment/humiliation
At least 2 symptoms of anxiety + blushing, fear of vomiting or fear of micturition/defecation
Emotional distress recognised as excessive/unreasonable
Symptoms restricted to feared situation

Question 6

ICD10 criteria of specific phobia

Answer 6

Marked fear/avoidance or a specific object or situation
Symptoms of anxiety
Emotional distress recognised as excessive/unreasonable
Symptoms restricted to feared situation

Question 7

Management of phobias

Answer 7

CBT
Graded exposure
SSRIs for agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder