Anxiety Disorders and Their Diagnosis

In today’s fast-paced and connected world, anxiety has become an increasingly prevalent and complex issue. But what exactly is anxiety? How does it differ from everyday worry or stress? And at what point does this normal everyday process develop into an Anxiety Disorders?

Whether you’re personally affected by anxiety or simply interested in learning more, this article aims to enlighten and empower. By shedding light on the complexities of anxiety, I hope to foster greater empathy and awareness, and ultimately pave the way for improved mental health support for all.

What is Anxiety?

Firstly, it is important to understand that anxiety is not the enemy.  Anxiety is a natural human response to stress and danger. It is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come (this can be in a cognitive or physical form). While anxiety is always a normal part of life, for some individuals, anxiety can become overwhelming and interfere with their daily functioning.  When anxiety (in its many forms) reaches the level of causing significant distress and interferes with social, occupational or daily functions, it can be classified as an Anxiety Disorder.

Anxiety Disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, including; generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social phobia, separation anxiety, selective mutism and specific phobias. Each of these disorders has its own unique set of symptoms and manifestations. Understanding the specific types of anxiety disorders is crucial in order to provide appropriate support and treatment.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

GAD is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, and relationships. People with GAD often struggle to control their worry and may experience physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Those who experience GAD will often describe themselves as worriers or overthinkers.  This process of worrying has typically been present across their lifetime and can ebb and flow in intensity over time. What they worry about specifically might change, but the process of engaging in worry remains constant.

Panic Disorder:

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes, accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, nausea or abdominal distress, dizziness or light-headedness, derealization or depersonalization, fear of losing control or going crazy, and fear of dying.

Panic disorder is marked by persistent worry about having additional panic attacks, worry about the implications of the panic attacks (e.g., losing control, having a heart attack), or significant changes in behaviour related to the attacks (e.g., avoidance of certain situations).

To meet diagnostic criteria, panic attacks must occur unexpectedly and be followed by at least one month of persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks, consequences of panic attacks, or significant maladaptive changes in behaviour related to the attacks. These symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Social Phobia:

Social phobia, is a condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which the individual may be scrutinized or evaluated by others. People with social anxiety disorder often fear that they will act in a way that will be humiliating or embarrassing, leading to significant anxiety or avoidance of social situations.

Symptoms of social phobia include excessive fear or anxiety about being judged by others, worrying about embarrassing oneself or being criticized in social situations, avoiding social situations or enduring them with intense anxiety, experiencing physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or a rapid heart rate in social situations, and enduring significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning due to the anxiety. To meet diagnostic criteria, symptoms must persist for at least six months and cause clinically significant distress or impairment.

Separation Anxiety:

Separation anxiety is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from those to whom an individual is attached. The anxiety often manifests when anticipating or experiencing separation from home or caregivers, leading to significant distress. Symptoms may include recurrent excessive distress when separation occurs or is anticipated, persistent and excessive worry about losing attachment figures or potential harm befalling them, reluctance or refusal to leave home or go to school due to fear of separation, nightmares involving separation themes, physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomach aches) when separation is imminent, and persistent reluctance or refusal to sleep away from home or without being near a loved one. These symptoms must persist for at least four weeks in children and adolescents and six months in adults, causing clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or other important areas of functioning.

Selective Mutism:

Selective Mutism s a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations, despite speaking in other settings. Children with selective mutism typically exhibit normal language skills and communication abilities in familiar environments, such as at home or with close family members, but consistently refrain from speaking in situations such as school or social gatherings. This mutism cannot be attributed to a lack of knowledge or comfort with the spoken language. Selective mutism often co-occurs with social anxiety disorder and is associated with significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Symptoms must persist for at least one month and should not be better explained by a communication disorder (e.g., childhood-onset fluency disorder) or pervasive developmental disorder.

Specific Phobias:

Specific phobias are characterized by marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation. This fear is excessive or unreasonable and typically leads to avoidance behaviors. Common specific phobias include fear of animals, insects, heights, flying, receiving injections, or seeing blood. When confronted with the feared object or situation, individuals with specific phobia may experience immediate intense fear or anxiety, which may manifest as panic symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath. The fear or anxiety is persistent, lasting for six months or more, and causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The individual recognizes that their fear is excessive or unreasonable, but they still find it challenging to control or overcome.

Common Symptoms 

Each anxiety disorder has its own set of symptoms, but there are some common signs to look out for. These symptoms can manifest both physically and mentally, and may include:

– Excessive worry and fear

– Restlessness or feeling on edge

– Difficulty concentrating

– Irritability

– Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares

– Muscle tension

– Panic attacks

– Avoidance behaviours

It is important to note that everyone experiences anxiety differently, and symptoms can vary in severity. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms and they are interfering with daily life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Diagnosing Anxiety Disorders

Diagnosing an anxiety disorder involves a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional. The process typically includes a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and a psychological assessment. It is important for the healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing or contributing to the anxiety symptoms.

Psychologists will use The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) is the standard reference to diagnose anxiety disorders. The DSM-5 provides specific criteria for each type of anxiety disorder, helping clinicians make an accurate diagnosis.

It is crucial to seeking a comprehensive assessment from a psychologist to accurately identify and understand the specific anxiety disorder experienced by an individual. While experiencing anxiety is a common aspect of the human condition, it is imperative to recognize that not all anxiety presentations are the same. Anxiety disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions, each with its unique symptoms, triggers, and underlying factors. Obtaining a thorough evaluation from a psychologist allows for a nuanced exploration of the individual’s symptoms, their frequency and severity, as well as the impact on various aspects of their life. This process helps differentiate between different anxiety disorders, and therefore be informed according to empirical research, which treatment approach will be most relevant and effective.

To Conclude;

Anxiety disorders are complex mental health conditions that can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. Understanding the different types of anxiety disorders, is crucial in order to provide effective support and treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek professional help. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and there are a variety of treatment options available.  Laura McCabe, is a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in treating anxiety disorders.  With immediate availability feel supported and guided beginning the process of untangling your anxiety web and get started on the journey towards growth and empowerment.