2/14/25 Fear,Anxiety & Anxiety Disorders

Overview

The discussion focuses on the relationship between fear, anxiety, and various psychological disorders, particularly anxiety-related disorders. Emphasis on understanding how these emotions are experienced normally versus how they contribute to psychological disorders.

Understanding Fear and Anxiety

• Normal experience of fear and anxiety is protective and can enhance performance.

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• Fear is associated with immediate danger, while anxiety relates to future threats.

• For example, nervousness before an exam can trigger anxiety, while the exam itself may trigger fear.

• Helpful to distinguish between fear (immediate, physiological response) and anxiety (preparation for a future event).

Emotional Responses in Different Situations

• Common feelings during high-anxiety scenarios:

  • Racing heart, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal distress, excessive sweating.

• Personal anecdotes illustrate how anxiety and fear manifest physically during high-stress situations (e.g., exams).

• Fear responses can also relate to situational triggers like public speaking or flying.

The DSM-5 and Anxiety Disorders

• Before the DSM-5, disorders like anxiety, trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were categorized together but are now distinct chapters.

• Important to remember that disorders exist on a spectrum, with some individuals demonstrating anxiety without meeting the full criteria for a disorder.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Persistent worry across multiple areas of life; often involves intrusive thoughts.

Phobias

• Definition: Disruptive fear of a specific situation or object that is disproportionate to the actual threat.

• Types of Phobias:

  • Specific phobias (e.g., flying, heights, animals).

  • Social phobia (anxiety in social situations).

  • Agoraphobia (fear of being in situations where escape is difficult).

• Common examples include fear of injections or tight spaces.

• Phobias typically develop in childhood but can persist into adulthood if not treated.

Social Anxiety Disorder

• Fear of social situations where one might be negatively evaluated.

• Symptoms include avoidance of social interactions and increased distress in social settings.

• Can lead to significant impairment in daily life; prevalence is around 7% in the population.

Panic Disorder

• Characterized by recurrent panic attacks that may or may not be related to specific triggers.

• Panic attacks involve intense fear responses but may not indicate immediate danger.

• Important to understand the difference between a single panic attack and panic disorder, which involves multiple episodes.

Comorbidity in Anxiety Disorders

• High rates of comorbidity between anxiety disorders and conditions like major depressive disorder and substance use disorders.

• Understanding comorbidity is crucial for developing effective treatment plans.

Treatment and Assessment

• Treatment approaches for phobias and anxiety disorders include exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication.

• Assessment involves determining the interference of symptoms with daily functioning to clarify diagnosis.

• Many individuals with phobias or anxiety disorders do not seek treatment due to avoidance behaviors.

Key Takeaways

• Normal fear and anxiety can be beneficial, but when these feelings are excessive or irrational, they may interfere with quality of life and require intervention.

• Distinguishing between fear and anxiety is crucial for understanding and diagnosing various psychological disorders.

• There is a need for increased awareness and treatment options for individuals struggling with anxiety disorders.