anxiety disorders anxiety disorders are a class of disorders marked by feelings of excessive...

ANXIETY DISORDERSANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety disorders are a class of disorders marked by feelings of excessive

apprehension and anxiety.

Four principle types of anxiety Four principle types of anxiety disorders:disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorders

• Phobic Disorders

• Panic Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

CausesCauses• Biological Factors

– Heart Conditions– Neurotransmitters– Genetic

• Conditioning– Classical / Operant

• Stress– High Stress– Dramatic increase in stress

Generalized Anxiety DisorderGeneralized Anxiety Disorder – marked by a – marked by a chronic, high level of anxiety that is not tied to any chronic, high level of anxiety that is not tied to any

specific threat.specific threat.

• Worry constantly about yesterday’s mistakes and tomorrow’s problems.

• Dread decisions and brood over them endlessly• Physical symptoms – trembling, muscle tension,

diarrhea, dizziness, faintness, sweating, heart palpitations.

Phobic DisorderPhobic Disorder – marked by a persistent and – marked by a persistent and irrational fear of an object or situation that presents irrational fear of an object or situation that presents no realistic danger.no realistic danger. • Most people understand that their fear is

irrational, but still are unable to control it.• Many of the same physical signs as Generalized

Anxiety Disorder when confronted with their phobia.

Panic DisorderPanic Disorder – characterized by recurrent – characterized by recurrent attacks of overwhelming anxiety that will usually attacks of overwhelming anxiety that will usually

occur suddenly and unexpectedly.occur suddenly and unexpectedly.

• Attacks can be paralyzing.• After a number of attacks victims can become

apprehensive and become afraid to leave home.• Agoraphobia – fear of going out to public

places– Become prisoners of their homes– Most are women, with onset during late

adolescents and early adulthood.

Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderObsessive-Compulsive Disorder- marked by - marked by persistent, uncontrollable intrusions of unwanted persistent, uncontrollable intrusions of unwanted

thoughts (obsessions) and urges to engage in thoughts (obsessions) and urges to engage in senseless rituals (compulsions).senseless rituals (compulsions).

• Obsessions often center around personal failures, suicide, sexual acts and sometimes inflicting harm on others.

• Compulsions usually involve rituals that temporarily relieve anxiety.

• Ex. Constant washing of hands, repetitive cleaning of things, rechecking locks or other items.