Anxiety Disorders

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Selective Mutism

Specific Phobia

Social Anxiety Disorder

Panic Disorder

Panic Attack Disorder

Panic Attack Specifier

Agoraphobia

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety Disorder due to Another Medical Condition

Other Specified Anxiety Disorder

Unspecified Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorders - chronic high level of anxiety that does not have a specific cause or stimulus (e.g., muscle tension, diarrhea, dizziness…)

Phobic Disorder - persistent and irrational fear of object or situation that is unrealistic. E.g., claustrophobia, ….

Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia - recurrent attacks of overwhelming anxiety that usually occur suddenly & without warning. (e.g. fear of public places)

Etiology of Anxiety disorders

-Biological factors concordance rates of twins  Mz=38% Dz=15%

-Some people have higher sensitivity for anxiety and changes in physiological conditions (circle)

-Neurotransmitters: GABA-anxiety; Serotonin-panic & OCD;
valium & prozac reduce anxiety

-Classical conditioning - phobias are acquired and maintained. Biologically prepared for some…

-Cognitive - misinterpretation of harmless threats and focus undue attention to such interpretations, selectively recall information that supports it.