Anxiety disorders: introduction to mental health

Lecture 2: Anxiety disorders

·         Anxiety: Apprehension/worry over an anticipated problem

·         Fear: Reaction to real or perceived immediate danger

Both evolutionarily old, involved in anxiety disorders, but fear = immediate, anxiety = anticipatory

Classification systems

1.       WHO (World Health Organisation)

2.       DSM V (diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders) – current system of choice.

Under constant revision as partial syndromes emerge and additional symptoms present in some. Sub classes emerge over time (e.g. personality disorders)

Diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders:

·         Considerable disproportionate fear consistently triggered by specific objects/situations

·         Avoidance or intense anxiety when endured

·         Symptoms last 6+ months

·         Significantly reduced quality of life

Anxiety disorders:

Specific phobias

Fear disproportionate to any possible danger

Social anxiety disorder

Fear of social scrutiny/strangers

Panic disorder

Anxiety about recurrent attacks

Agoraphobia

Anxiety about difficulty escaping or getting help if anxiety occurs

Generalised anxiety disorder

Uncontrollable worry for 3+ months

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