GAD is characterized by persistent, excessive worry about various events or activities. This worry is often difficult to control and is accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, and muscle tension.
The diagnostic criteria emphasize the pervasiveness of anxiety and its impact on daily functioning, distinguishing it from transient, situational worry.
Panic and Social Anxiety
Panic Disorder
Characterized by unexpected panic attacks, which are abrupt surges of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms include palpitations, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Involves a marked fear or anxiety about social situations where the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others. This fear often leads to avoidance of social interactions.
Specific Phobias
Intervention Pathways
Evidence-based pathways for specific phobias often involve structured exposure therapy, gradually confronting the feared object or situation in a controlled environment.
Understanding Specific Phobias
Common phobias include fear of heights (acrophobia), flying (aviophobia), or certain animals (zoophobia). The core is an intense, immediate anxiety response upon exposure to the feared stimulus.
Review the clinical consensus on psychological, pharmacological, and lifestyle interventions for anxiety management.