Anxiety Disorders a group of conditions where the primary symptoms are anxiety or defenses against anxiety. the patient fears something awful will happen to them. Are anxiety disorders a non-psychotic or a psychotic disorders?
What is anxiety? is a state of intense apprehension, uneasiness, uncertainty, or fear. Some symptoms include: poor concentration, upset stomach, etc….
Anxiety Disorders Anxiety becomes a disorder when the symptoms become chronic and interfere with our daily lives and our ability to function. The symptoms are severe and upsetting enough to make the individual feel extremely uncomfortable, out of control and helpless.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder The first sign is chronic irrational anxiety and worry that can’t be turned off. The symptoms occur more days than not for at least six months. The focus of the anxiety is not directed to any one thing . Physical symptoms will also be present such as: muscle tension.
Panic Disorder An anxiety disorder marked by a minutes-long episode of intense dread in which a person experiences terror and accompanying chest pain, choking and other frightening sensations. Anticipatory anxiety – people fear having another attack when in the same situation. Can cause secondary disorders, such as agoraphobia.
Phobic Disorders A person experiences sudden episodes of intense dread.
Phobic disorders symptoms Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation. Exposure to the phobic stimulus provokes an immediate anxiety response. The phobic situation(s) are avoided or endured with intense anxiety or distress.
The Phobia List Link
Social phobia Average age of onset is 13. Two types: - performance – anxiety generated by performing in front of other people. - interactional – anxiety generated by having to meet and interact with new people.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder An anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or actions (compulsions).
Common Examples of OCD Common Obsessions: Common Compulsions: Contamination fears of germs, dirt, etc. Washing Imagining having harmed self or others Repeating Imagining losing control of aggressive urges Checking Intrusive sexual thoughts or urges Touching Excessive religious or moral doubt Counting Forbidden thoughts Ordering/arranging A need to have things "just so" Hoarding or saving A need to tell, ask, confess Praying
Explanations for Anxiety Disorders You Learn them through conditioning. Evolution Genes Physiology (the brain)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Triggered by trauma More than 7 million diagnosed a year More women than men Symptoms usually begin within 3 months of event, but can begin years later and include persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal.