Section 12.2: Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Terms

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A chronic psychological condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life, lasting for at least six months.

Panic attack

A sudden, intense episode of fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness, peaking within minutes.

Agoraphobia

An anxiety disorder involving intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack.

Anxiety

A future-oriented emotional state involving apprehension, tension, and physiological arousal in response to perceived threats.

Social Anxiety Disorder

A marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which embarrassment or scrutiny by others is possible.

Obsessions

Recurrent, persistent, and intrusive thoughts, urges, or images that cause significant distress or anxiety.

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions, aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing feared outcomes.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

A mental disorder characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that are time-consuming or cause significant distress or impairment.

Intrusive Memories

Unwanted, distressing recollections of traumatic events that invade consciousness involuntarily.

Hyperarousal

A heightened state of physiological and emotional arousal, often involving irritability, exaggerated startle response, and sleep disturbances, commonly seen in trauma-related disorders.

Exposure Therapy

A psychological treatment method that involves the systematic and repeated confrontation with feared stimuli to diminish emotional distress.

Cognitive Distortions

Biased, inaccurate thought patterns that reinforce negative emotions and maladaptive behaviors.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

An evidence-based psychotherapy focusing on identifying and modifying dysfunctional thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

A short-term anxiety disorder occurring within weeks of exposure to a traumatic event, involving symptoms similar to PTSD but with shorter duration.

Trigger

A stimulus that elicits an emotional or physiological response by recalling a traumatic experience.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

A mental health condition triggered by exposure to actual or threatened trauma, characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and heightened arousal.

DSM-5

The official manual published by the American Psychiatric Association that classifies and provides standardized criteria for diagnosing mental health disorders.

Attention deficit disorder (ADD)

A neurodevelopmental condition characterized primarily by inattention and distractibility, without significant hyperactivity.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.