Specific Phobias
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Load more
Recommended publications
-
Clinically Significant Avoidance of Public
Journal of Anxiety Disorders 23 (2009) 1170–1176 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Journal of Anxiety Disorders Clinically significant avoidance of public transport following the London bombings: Travel phobia or subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder? Rachel V. Handley a,*, Paul M. Salkovskis a, Peter Scragg b, Anke Ehlers a a King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychology, and Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, London, UK b Trauma Clinic, London, UK ARTICLEI NFO ABSTRA CT Article history: Following the London bombings of 7 July 2005 a ‘‘screen and treat’’ program was set up with the aim of Received 6 March 2008 providing rapid treatment for psychological responses in individuals directly affected. The present study Received in revised form 28 July 2009 found that 45% of the 596 respondents to the screening program reported phobic fear of public transport Accepted 28 July 2009 in a screening questionnaire. The screening program identified 255 bombing survivors who needed treatment for a psychological disorder. Of these, 20 (8%) suffered from clinically significant travel phobia. Keywords: However, many of these individuals also reported symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]. Terrorist violence Comparisons between the travel phobia group and a sex-matched group of bombing survivors with PTSD Specific phobia showed that the travel phobic group reported fewer re-experiencing and arousal symptoms on the Posttraumatic stress disorder Screening Trauma Screening Questionnaire (Brewin et al., 2002). The only PTSD symptoms that differentiated the groups were anger problems and feeling upset by reminders of the bombings. There was no difference between the groups in the reported severity of trauma or in presence of daily transport difficulties. -
Specific Phobias
Specific Phobias Fact sheet 38 Fact sheet 38 What is a speciFic phobia? Concern or fear about certain situations, activities, animals or objects is not uncommon. Many people feel anxious when faced with a snake or spider, or travelling by plane. Fear is a rational response in certain situations. However, some people react to objects, activities or situations (the phobic stimulus) by imagining or irrationally exaggerating the danger, resulting in panic, fear or terror that is out of proportion to the actual threat. Sometimes, even the thought of, or simply seeing the phobic stimulus on television, is enough to cause a reaction. These types of excessive reactions may be indicative of a Specific Phobia. People with Specific Phobias are often well aware that their fears are exaggerated or irrational, but feel that their anxious reaction is automatic or they are not able to control it. When exposed to the phobic stimulus, anxiety can reach excessive levels. Specific Phobias are often associated with panic attacks, during which the person experiences and is overwhelmed by physical sensations that may include a pounding heart, choking, nausea, faintness, dizziness, chest pain, hot or cold flushes and perspiration. For more information on panic sttacks, see beyondblue Fact sheet – 36 panic Disorder. Specific Phobias are generally divided into the following categories: signs anD symptoms • Animal type: fear that relates to animal or insects A person may have a Specific Phobia if he/she: (e.g. fear of dogs or spiders). • Has a persistent fear that is excessive and unreasonable • Natural-Environment type: a fear associated with the in relation to a specific object, activity or situation, such as natural environment (e.g. -
Depression and Anxiety: a Review
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY: A REVIEW Clifton Titcomb, MD OTR Medical Consultant Medical Director Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America Denver, CO [email protected] epression and anxiety are common problems Executive Summary This article reviews the in the population and are frequently encoun- overall spectrum of depressive and anxiety disor- tered in the underwriting environment. What D ders including major depressive disorder, chronic makes these conditions diffi cult to evaluate is the wide depression, minor depression, dysthymia and the range of fi ndings associated with the conditions and variety of anxiety disorders, with some special at- the signifi cant number of comorbid factors that come tention to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). into play in assessing the mortality risk associated It includes a review of the epidemiology and risk with them. Thus, more than with many other medical factors for each condition. Some of the rating conditions, there is a true “art” to evaluating the risk scales that can be used to assess the severity of associated with anxiety and depression. Underwriters depression are discussed. The various forms of really need to understand and synthesize all of the therapy for depression are reviewed, including key elements contributing to outcomes and develop the overall therapeutic philosophy, rationale a composite picture for each individual to adequately for the choice of different medications, the usual assess the mortality risk. duration of treatment, causes for resistance to therapy, and the alternative approaches that The Spectrum of Depression may be employed in those situations where re- Depression represents a spectrum from dysthymia to sistance occurs. -
Department of Veterans Affairs § 4.130
Department of Veterans Affairs § 4.130 than 50 percent and schedule an exam- upon the Diagnostic and Statistical ination within the six month period Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth following the veteran’s discharge to de- Edition, of the American Psychiatric termine whether a change in evalua- Association (DSM-IV). Rating agencies tion is warranted. must be thoroughly familiar with this (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1155) manual to properly implement the di- rectives in § 4.125 through § 4.129 and to [61 FR 52700, Oct. 8, 1996] apply the general rating formula for § 4.130 Schedule of ratings—mental mental disorders in § 4.130. The sched- disorders. ule for rating for mental disorders is The nomenclature employed in this set forth as follows: portion of the rating schedule is based Rating Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders 9201 Schizophrenia, disorganized type 9202 Schizophrenia, catatonic type 9203 Schizophrenia, paranoid type 9204 Schizophrenia, undifferentiated type 9205 Schizophrenia, residual type; other and unspecified types 9208 Delusional disorder 9210 Psychotic disorder, not otherwise specified (atypical psychosis) 9211 Schizoaffective disorder Delirium, Dementia, and Amnestic and Other Cognitive Disorders 9300 Delirium 9301 Dementia due to infection (HIV infection, syphilis, or other systemic or intracranial infections) 9304 Dementia due to head trauma 9305 Vascular dementia 9310 Dementia of unknown etiology 9312 Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type 9326 Dementia due to other neurologic or general medical conditions (endocrine -
Major Depressive and Generalized Anxiety Disorder
MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER AND GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER Dana Bartlett, RN, BSN, MSN, MA Dana Bartlett is a professional nurse and author. His clinical experience includes 16 years of ICU and ER experience and over 20 years of as a poison control center information specialist. Dana has published numerous CE and journal articles, written NCLEX material and textbook chapters, and done editing and reviewing for publishers such as Elsevier, Lippincott, and Thieme. He has written widely on the subject of toxicology and was recently named a contributing editor, toxicology section, for Critical Care Nurse journal. He is currently employed at the Connecticut Poison Control Center and is actively involved in lecturing and mentoring nurses, emergency medical residents and pharmacy students. ABSTRACT Major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are psychiatric conditions with primary symptoms that often overlap. The treatment of each condition is often similar. Medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are typically recommended as part of the patient treatment plan. Although often diagnosed as separate conditions, major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder often co- occur, and thoughtful consideration by psychiatric and primary care providers and nurses of selective treatment strategies to target primary symptoms will support patient compliance, progress and remission. nursece4less.com nursece4less.com nursece4less.com nursece4less.com 1 Continuing Nursing Education Course Planners William A. Cook, PhD, Director, Douglas Lawrence, MA, Webmaster, Susan DePasquale, MSN, FPMHNP-BC, Lead Nurse Planner Policy Statement This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the policies of NurseCe4Less.com and the continuing nursing education requirements of the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation for registered nurses. -
Specific Phobia of Illness:: Search for a New Subtype
Anxiety Disorders 18 (2004) 531–545 Specific phobia of illness: Search for a new subtype Russell Noyes Jr.*, Caroline P. Carney, Douglas R. Langbehn Departments of Biostatistics, Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242-1000, USA Received 13 December 2002; received in revised form 2 June 2003; accepted 20 June 2003 Abstract Specific phobia of illness makes its appearance in DSM-IVas a new diagnostic subtype, separate from hypochondriasis. A review of the literature indicates that, while there is some support for this new category, studies have not as yet been done that could provide validation. Illness phobia appears to be a significant problem; it is prevalent in the general population and is associated with distress and impairment, including interference with medical care. It appears to be associated with older age, physical illness, and female gender. Group comparisons are needed showing that persons with this phobia can be distinguished from hypochondriasis on the basis of these and other demographic and illness features. We outline a research agenda for demonstrating this separation. # 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords: Specific phobia; Illness phobia; Hypochondriasis; Classification Illness phobia first appears in DSM-IV under the heading of specific phobia, other type (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). There it is defined as an unreasonable fear of contracting a disease and distinguished from hypochon- driasis. According to this classification, illness phobics fear developing a disease they do not have, whereas persons with hypochondriasis are preoccupied with a disease they believe is already present (American Psychiatric Associa- tion, 1991). -
An Evidence Based Guide to Anxiety in Autism
Academic excellence for business and the professions The Autism Research Group An Evidence Based Guide to Anxiety in Autism Sebastian B Gaigg, Autism Research Group City, University of London Jane Crawford, Autism and Social Communication Team West Sussex County Council Helen Cottell, Autism and Social Communication Team West Sussex County Council www.city.ac.uk November 2018 Foreword Over the past 10-15 years, research has confirmed what many parents and teachers have long suspected – that many autistic children often experience very significant levels of anxiety. This guide provides an overview of what is currently known about anxiety in autism; how common it is, what causes it, and what strategies might help to manage and reduce it. By combining the latest research evidence with experience based recommendations for best practice, the aim of this guide is to help educators and other professionals make informed decisions about how to promote mental health and well-being in autistic children under their care. 3 Contents What do we know about anxiety in autism? 5 What is anxiety? 5 How common is anxiety and what does it look like in autism? 6 What causes anxiety in autism? 7-9 Implications for treatment approaches 10 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 10 Coping with uncertainity 11 Mindfulness based therapy 11 Tools to support the management of anxiety in autism 12 Sensory processing toolbox 12-13 Emotional awareness and alexithymia toolbox 14-15 Intolerance of uncertainty toolbox 16-17 Additional resources and further reading 18-19 A note on language in this guide There are different preferences among members of the autism community about whether identity-first (‘autistic person’) or person-first (‘person with autism’) language should be used to describe individuals who have received an autism spectrum diagnosis. -
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder By William A. Kehoe, Pharm.D., MA, FCCP, BCPS Reviewed by Sarah T. Melton, Pharm.D., BCPP, BCACP; and Clarissa J. Gregory, Pharm.D., BCACP, BCGP, CACP LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Distinguish between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other psychiatric or medical disorders. 2. Using validated screening tools and procedures, develop a screening and diagnostic plan for the patient with possible GAD. 3. Develop a treatment and monitoring plan, including patient education on the goals, expected outcomes, and risks of treatment, for the patient with GAD. 4. Justify the use of second- and third-line agents in the treatment plan for a patient with GAD. 5. Design an appropriate treatment plan for GAD for patients requiring special considerations including children, the elderly, and patients who are pregnant. INTRODUCTION ABBREVIATIONS IN THIS CHAPTER CBT Cognitive behavioral therapy Overview of Anxiety Disorders CSTC Cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical Anxiety disorders are common among patients in primary care and circuitry share a common thread: focusing on future threats. Worry, avoidant DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual behavior or behavioral adaptations, and autonomic and other somatic of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition complaints are also common. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of GABA γ-Aminobutyric acid Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists separation anxiety, selec- GAD Generalized anxiety disorder tive mutism, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder (also called GAD-7 Generalized Anxiety Disorder social phobia), panic disorder, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety, 7-Item Scale substance abuse/medication-induced anxiety, and anxiety disorder SGA Second-generation antipsychotic caused by another medical condition in its chapter on anxiety dis- SNRI Serotonin-norepinephrine reup- orders (APA 2013). -
Supporting a Person with Dementia Who Has Depression, Anxiety Or Apathy
Factsheet 444LP Supporting a October 2019 person with dementia who has depression, anxiety or apathy Depression, anxiety and apathy are known as ‘psychological conditions’ because they affect a person’s emotional and mental health. It’s common for people with dementia to experience these conditions. This factsheet looks at how they can affect a person with dementia. This can be different to how they affect people who don’t have dementia. It also looks at ways to support a person with dementia who has depression, anxiety or apathy. This includes day-to-day support that carers and other people can provide. It also includes non-drug treatments, such as talking therapies or ‘psychological therapies’, and explains the different types and how they can help. The information in this factsheet focuses on supporting someone with dementia who has depression, anxiety or apathy. However, anyone can experience these conditions. For more information about this if you’re caring for someone with dementia see ‘How can talking therapies help carers?’ on page 22. 2 Supporting a person with dementia who has depression, anxiety or apathy Contents n Depression — Causes of depression — Symptoms of depression — Treatment for depression — How to support a person with dementia who has depression n Anxiety — Causes of anxiety — Symptoms of anxiety — Treatment for anxiety — How to support a person with dementia who has anxiety n Apathy — Causes of apathy — Symptoms of apathy — Treatment for apathy — How to support a person with dementia who has apathy n Seeing a -
Diagnosis and Management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder BRADLEY D
Diagnosis and Management of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder BRADLEY D. GRINAGE, M.D., University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita, Wichita, Kansas Although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating anxiety disorder that may cause significant distress and increased use of health resources, the condition O A patient informa- often goes undiagnosed. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in the United States is 8 to tion handout on post- traumatic stress disor- 9 percent, and approximately 25 to 30 percent of victims of significant trauma der, written by the develop PTSD. The emotional and physical symptoms of PTSD occur in three clusters: author of this article, re-experiencing the trauma, marked avoidance of usual activities, and increased is provided on page symptoms of arousal. Before a diagnosis of PTSD can be made, the patient’s symp- 2409. toms must significantly disrupt normal activities and last for more than one month. Approximately 80 percent of patients with PTSD have at least one comorbid psychi- atric disorder. The most common comorbid disorders include depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and other anxiety disorders. Treatment relies on a multidimensional approach, including supportive patient education, cognitive behavior therapy, and psychopharmacology. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the mainstay of pharmacologic treatment. (Am Fam Physician 2003;68:2401-8,2409. Copyright© 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians) ost-traumatic stress disorder Background (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder The psychologic effects of trauma have that occurs following exposure to been described throughout military history. a traumatic event. The disorder Da Costa syndrome (“soldier’s heart”), which has not been extensively studied is characterized by cardiac symptoms associ- Pin primary care; however, the events of Sep- ated with irritability and increased arousal, tember 11, 2001, raised both public and pro- was described in veterans of the American fessional awareness of PTSD. -
Toilet Phobia Booklet
National Phobics Society (NPS) Registered Charity No: 1113403 Company Reg. No: 5551121 Tel: 0870 122 2325 www.phobics-society.org.uk 1975 Golden Rail Award breaking the silence 1989 National Whitbread Community Care Award 2002 BT/THA Helpline Worker of the Year Award The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2006 unsung heros The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2006 what is toilet phobia? Toilet Phobia is rarely just one condition. It is a term used to describe a number of overlapping conditions (see diagram below): social what is toilet phobia? 3 phobia agoraphobia paruresis who can be affected? 4 toilet phobia what causes toilet phobia? 5 panic parcopresis does everyone have the same experience? 5 ocd forms of toilet phobia 6-7 real life experiences 8-12 These conditions have one thing in Due to the nature of this common - everyone affected has problem, people are often difficulties around using the toilet. reluctant to admit to the anxiety & fear: understanding the effects 13-14 These difficulties vary but with the condition or to seek help. right support, the problems can Those who do seek help can usually be alleviated, reduced or usually overcome or improve what types of help are available? 15-19 managed. their ability to cope with the problem, even after many The fears around the toilet include: years of difficulty. Seeking help real life experiences 20 • not being able to is the first step to finding real urinate/defecate improvements. success stories 21 • fear of being too far from a toilet • fear of using public toilets • fear that others may be watching your next step 22 or scrutinising/listening glossary 23 2 3 who can be affected? what causes toilet phobia? Almost anyone - Toilet Phobia is Toilet Phobia and overlapping/ not as rare as you may think. -
Anxiety Disorders
Health and wellness tips for your work, home and life—brought to you by the insurance specialists at Lawley Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders affect over can occur at any time – even to people with whom they during sleep. About one-third used to be close), lose interest 57 million adults in America – of people who experience in things they used to enjoy, more than 26 percent of the panic attacks become so and become irritable, fearful that they refuse to aggressive or violent. They U.S. population. leave home. When the avoid situations which remind condition progresses this far, them of the original incident, About Anxiety Disorders it is called agoraphobia – a and anniversaries of the Anxiety disorders commonly fear of open spaces. incident are usually very occur in conjunction with other difficult. PTSD affects nearly 8 mental or physical illnesses, Obsessive-Compulsive million adults in the United last at least six months and Disorder (OCD) States, but can occur at any can get worse without OCD sufferers have persistent, age. treatment. There are six types upsetting thoughts or of anxiety disorders: panic obsessions, and use rituals to Social Phobia disorder, obsessive- control the anxiety these Also called social anxiety compulsive disorder, post- thoughts produce. Most often, disorder, social phobia is traumatic stress disorder, the rituals end up controlling diagnosed when individuals social phobia, specific phobia the person with OCD. For become overwhelmingly and generalized anxiety example, if someone is anxious and excessively self- disorder. obsessed with germs and dirt, conscious in everyday social he or she may develop a situations.