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Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a disorder categorized in the DSM-5 under the Anxiety Disorders section. GAD is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about multiple life circumstances, such as health, finances, safety of loved ones, and other life events. People with GAD may experience difficulty controlling the worry, and often find it difficult to relax or concentrate (DeMartini et al., 2019). Common symptoms of GAD include restlessness, feeling on-edge, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.

Age-Related/Developmental

There is no specific age criteria for making a diagnosis of GAD, although it is more common in adults. Symptoms of GAD typically begin in adolescence or early adulthood and may persist throughout the lifespan. In terms of development, GAD can be expressed differently depending on the age of the individual (DeMartini et al., 2019). In young children, GAD may manifest as difficulty in school, tantrums, and clinginess. In adolescents, symptoms may include poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and lack of motivation. In adults, symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, insomnia, restlessness, and irritability.

Differential Diagnosis

When diagnosing GAD, it is important to consider other diagnoses such as Major Depressive Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder, and Panic Disorder. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent sadness and difficulty in concentration, appetite changes, and fatigue, while Adjustment Disorder is a short-term reaction to a stressful event. Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder is a diagnosis that should be considered for individuals with a history of substance abuse, as symptoms of anxiety may be induced by substances.

Disorders Risk and Prognostic Factors

Research findings suggest that GAD is a chronic disorder, with symptoms often persisting for several years. However, there are some risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing GAD. These include family history of mental illness, stressful life events, childhood trauma, and substance abuse (Crocq, 2022). In terms of prognostic factors, research suggests that individuals with GAD who receive treatment have better outcomes than those who do not receive treatment. Treatment typically includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Reference

Crocq, M. A. (2022). The history of generalized anxiety disorder as a diagnostic category.  Dialogues in clinical neuroscience.

DeMartini, J., Patel, G., & Fancher, T. L. (2019). Generalized anxiety disorder.  Annals of internal medicine,  170(7), ITC49-ITC64.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a disorder categorized in the DSM-5 under the Anxiety Disorders section. It is characterized by an intense fear of social situations, such as parties, speaking in public, or talking to strangers. People with SAD may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and blushing, as well as fear of being judged or embarrassed (Koyuncu et al., 2019). Common symptoms of SAD include avoiding public speaking, difficulty making eye contact, fear of being judged, and difficulty making and keeping friends.

Age-Related/Developmental

SAD typically begins in early childhood or adolescence. In young children, symptoms of SAD may manifest as clinging to parents, difficulty separating, and anxious behavior in social situations. In adolescents, symptoms may include avoiding social situations, feelings of inferiority, and low self-esteem (Mohammadi et al., 2020). In adults, symptoms may include avoidance of social situations, difficulty making and maintaining relationships, and difficulty expressing emotions in social settings.

Differential Diagnosis

When diagnosing SAD, it is important to consider other diagnoses such as Avoidant Personality Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Major Depressive Disorder (Koyuncu et al., 2019). Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social avoidance and extreme sensitivity to rejection. Agoraphobia is an intense fear of certain places and situations, such as crowded places, enclosed spaces, or traveling alone. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent sadness and difficulty in concentration, appetite changes, and fatigue.

Disorder Risk and Prognostic Factors

The course and outcome of SAD is variable, with some individuals experiencing a chronic course, while others may experience remission. The presence of comorbid conditions, such as depression, can negatively impact the prognosis. The long-term outcome of SAD is improved with prompt and effective treatment, and early intervention is crucial in the treatment of childhood SAD.

Reference

Koyuncu, A., İnce, E., Ertekin, E., & Tükel, R. (2019). Comorbidity in social anxiety disorder: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.  Drugs in context,  8. doi: 10.7573/dic.212573

Mohammadi, M. R., Salehi, M., Khaleghi, A., Hooshyari, Z., Mostafavi, S. A., Ahmadi, N., … & Amanat, M. (2020). Social anxiety disorder among children and adolescents: A nationwide survey of prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors and co-morbidities.  Journal of affective disorders,  263, 450-457.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a disorder categorized in the DSM-5 under the Anxiety Disorders section. It is characterized by an intense fear of certain places and situations, such as crowded places, enclosed spaces, or traveling alone. People with agoraphobia may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing, as well as fear of being in situations from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing (Balaram et al., 2020). Common symptoms of agoraphobia include avoiding certain situations, anticipatory anxiety when in certain situations, and fear of being embarrassed or humiliated.

Age-Related/Developmental

Agoraphobia typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. In young children, symptoms of agoraphobia may manifest as clinging to parents, difficulty separating, and anxious behavior in unfamiliar places. In adolescents, symptoms may include avoidance of certain situations, such as crowds or enclosed spaces, anticipatory anxiety when in certain situations, and fear of being embarrassed or humiliated (Balaram et al., 2020). In adults, symptoms may include avoidance of social situations, difficulty making and maintaining relationships, and difficulty expressing emotions in social settings.

Differential Diagnosis

When diagnosing agoraphobia, it is important to consider other diagnoses such as Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder (Shin et al., 2020). Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is characterized by an intense fear of social situations, such as parties, speaking in public, or talking to strangers. Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms, such as chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.

Disorders Risk and Prognostic Factors

The course and outcome of agoraphobia can vary, but research suggests that it is a chronic condition with a high likelihood of relapse (Shin et al., 2020). Effective treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication, and it can significantly improve the individual's quality of life, including reducing social and occupational impairments.

Reference

Balaram, K., & Marwaha, R. (2020). Agoraphobia.

Shin, J., Park, D. H., Ryu, S. H., Ha, J. H., Kim, S. M., & Jeon, H. J. (2020). Clinical implications of agoraphobia in patients with panic disorder.  Medicine,  99(30). doi: 

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive anxiety regarding separation from home or a significant attachment figure. It is classified under the Anxiety Disorders category in the DSM-5 and is most common in children, but can also occur in adulthood (Dowsett et al., 2020). SAD is differentiated from other anxiety disorders by the focus on separation and attachment.

Age-Related/Developmental

SAD typically begins in early childhood or infancy. In young children, symptoms of SAD may manifest as clinging to parents, difficulty separating, and anxious behavior when separated from the attachment figure. In adolescents, symptoms may include difficulty making and keeping friends, low self-esteem, and avoidance of social situations (Dowsett et al., 2020). In adults, symptoms may include difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, avoidance of social situations, and difficulty expressing emotions in social settings.

Differential Diagnosis

When diagnosing SAD, it is important to consider other diagnoses such as Avoidant Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder (Dogan et al., 2019). Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social avoidance and extreme sensitivity to rejection. Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms, such as chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent sadness and difficulty in concentration, appetite changes, and fatigue.

Disorders Risk and Prognostic Factors

Research findings suggest that SAD is a chronic disorder, with symptoms often persisting for several years. Risk factors for SAD include family history of mental illness, stressful life events, childhood trauma, and substance abuse (Dogan et al., 2019). In terms of prognostic factors, research suggests that individuals with SAD who receive treatment have better outcomes than those who do not receive treatment. Treatment typically includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Reference

Dogan, B., Yoldas, C., Kocabas, O., Memis, C. O., Sevincok, D., & Sevincok, L. (2019). The characteristics of the comorbidity between social anxiety and separation anxiety disorders in adult patients.  Nordic Journal of Psychiatry,  73(6), 380-386.

Dowsett, E., Delfabbro, P., & Chur-Hansen, A. (2020). Adult separation anxiety disorder: The human-animal bond.  Journal of Affective Disorders,  270, 90-96.

Panic Attack

Panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that is not related to any specific situation or trigger. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms, such as chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. People with Panic Attack may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing, as well as fear of dying or going crazy (Karthikeyan et al., 2020). Common symptoms of Panic Attack include recurrent panic attacks, anticipatory anxiety in certain situations, and fear of future panic attacks.

Age-Related/Developmental

Panic Attack typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. In young children, symptoms may manifest as clinging to parents, difficulty separating, and anxious behavior in unfamiliar places. In adolescents, symptoms may include avoidance of certain situations, such as crowds or enclosed spaces, anticipatory anxiety when in certain situations, and fear of being embarrassed or humiliated (Karthikeyan et al., 2020). In adults, symptoms may include avoidance of social situations, difficulty making and maintaining relationships, and difficulty expressing emotions in social settings.

Differential Diagnosis

When diagnosing Panic Attack, it is important to consider other diagnoses such as Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. Agoraphobia is an intense fear of certain places and situations, such as crowded places, enclosed spaces, or traveling alone (Perrotta, 2019). Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is characterized by an intense fear of social situations, such as parties, speaking in public, or talking to strangers. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent sadness and difficulty in concentration, appetite changes, and fatigue.

Disorders Risk and Prognostic Factors

Research findings suggest that Panic Attack is a chronic disorder, with symptoms often persisting for several years. Risk factors for Panic Attack include family history of mental illness, stressful life events, childhood trauma, and substance abuse (Perrotta, 2019). In terms of prognostic factors, research suggests that individuals with Panic Attack who receive treatment have better outcomes than those who do not receive treatment. Treatment typically includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Reference

Karthikeyan, V., Nalinashini, G., & Raja, E. A. (2020). A study of panic attack disorder in human beings and different treatment methods.  J Crit Rev,  7, 1166-1169. DOI:

Perrotta, G. (2019). Panic disorder: definitions, contexts, neural correlates and clinical strategies.  Current Trends in Clinical & Medical Sciences,  1(2), 1-10.