DSM- Anxiety Disorders

What is the high-yield picture of Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Developmentally inappropriate, excessive fear or distress about separation from attachment figures.

Timeline/onset: 4+ weeks youth; 6+ months adults

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Can occur in adults as well as children.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Separation Anxiety Disorder?

4+ weeks youth; 6+ months adults

How do you differentiate Separation Anxiety Disorder Vs. GAD on an exam vignette?

worry centers specifically on separation/loss of attachment figures.

What is the high-yield picture of Selective Mutism?

Consistent failure to speak in specific social settings despite speaking in other settings.

Timeline/onset: 1+ month, not limited to first school month

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Not due to lack of language knowledge or communication disorder.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Selective Mutism?

1+ month, not limited to first school month

How do you differentiate Selective Mutism Vs. social anxiety on an exam vignette ?

Mutism is the defining behavioral pattern.

What is the high-yield picture of Specific Phobia?

Marked fear of a specific object or situation, immediate anxiety, avoidance, and disproportionate fear.

Timeline/onset: Typically 6+ months

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Types include animal, natural environment, blood-injection-injury, situational.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Specific Phobia?

Typically 6+ months

How do you differentiate Specific Phobia Vs. agoraphobia on an exam vignette?

One specific trigger rather than fear across multiple escape-difficult situations.

What is the high-yield picture of Social Anxiety Disorder?

Fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, rejection, or negative evaluation in social/performance situations.

Timeline/onset: Typically 6+ months

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Performance-only specifier.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Social Anxiety Disorder?

Typically 6+ months

How do you differentiate Social Anxiety Disorder Vs. avoidant PDVs. on an exam vignette?

Social anxiety may be circumscribed; avoidant PD is a pervasive personality pattern.

What is the high-yield picture of Panic Disorder?

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks plus persistent concern or maladaptive behavior change about additional attacks.

Timeline/onset: 1+ month concern/behavior change

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Panic attack is a specifier and can occur in many disorders.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Panic Disorder?

1+ month concern/behavior change

How do you differentiate Panic Disorder Vs. GAD on an exam vignette?

Abrupt attacks and fear of recurrence rather than chronic broad worry.

What is the high-yield picture of Agoraphobia?

Fear/avoidance of at least two types of situations where escape/help may be difficult if panic-like symptoms occur.

Timeline/onset: Typically 6+ months

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Diagnose separately from panic disorder when both are present.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Agoraphobia?

Typically 6+ months

How do you differentiate Agoraphobia Vs. specific phobia on an exam vignette?

Multiple situation categories linked to escape/help concerns.

What is the high-yield picture of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Excessive, difficult-to-control worry across multiple areas with tension, restlessness, fatigue, concentration, irritability, or sleep symptoms.

Timeline/onset: 6+ months

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Worry occurs more days than not.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

6+ months

How do you differentiate Generalized Anxiety Disorder Vs. adjustment disorder on an exam vignette?

GAD is broad/chronic and not limited to one identifiable stressor.