Diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders

Author(s):  
Meghan E. Keough ◽  
Murray B. Stein ◽  
Peter P. Roy-Byrne

This chapter is intended to familiarize the reader with the current nosological framework of anxiety disorders as well as its future directions. To provide a historical context for the current anxiety nosology, we begin by briefly reviewing the history and development of the current diagnostic criteria.We then discuss the DSM-5 by highlighting the current validators for the disorders, the proposed move of OCD and PTSD outside of the anxiety disorder categorization, and the specific proposed revisions to the criteria of the various anxiety disorders. The chapter also examines many of the controversies and shortcomings of the current nosology and explores the call for a new framework based on underlying mechanisms of disordered behavior.

2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562098860
Author(s):  
Anna Wiedemann ◽  
Daniel Vogel ◽  
Catharina Voss ◽  
Jana Hoyer

Music performance anxiety (MPA) is considered a social anxiety disorder (SAD). Recent conceptualizations, however, challenge existing MPA definitions, distinguishing MPA from SAD. In this study, we aim to provide a systematic analysis of MPA interdependencies to other anxiety disorders through graphical modeling and cluster analysis. Participants were 82 music students ( Mage = 23.5 years, SD = 3.4 years; 69.5% women) with the majority being vocal (30.5%), string (24.4%), or piano (19.5%) students. MPA was measured using the German version of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI). All participants were tested for anxiety-related symptoms using the disorder-specific anxiety measures of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., DSM-5), including agoraphobia (AG), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), separation anxiety disorder (SEP), specific phobia (SP), SAD, and illness anxiety disorder (ILL). We found no evidence of MPA being primarily connected to SAD, finding GAD acted as a full mediator between MPA and any other anxiety type. Our graphical model remained unchanged considering severe cases of MPA only (K-MPAI ⩾ 105). By means of cluster analysis, we identified two participant sub-groups of differing anxiety profiles. Participants with pathological anxiety consistently showed more severe MPA. Our findings suggest that GAD is the strongest predictor for MPA among all major DSM-5 anxiety types.


2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 448-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Knappe ◽  
J. Klotsche ◽  
A. Strobel ◽  
R.T. LeBeau ◽  
M.G. Craske ◽  
...  

AbstractPurposePsychometric properties and clinical sensitivity of brief self-rated dimensional scales to supplement categorical diagnoses of anxiety disorders in the DSM-5 were recently demonstrated in a German treatment seeking sample of adults. The present study aims to demonstrate sensitivity of these scales to clinical severity levels.MethodsThe dimensional scales were administered to 102 adults at a university outpatient clinic for psychotherapy. Diagnostic status was assessed using the Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview. To establish a wide range of clinical severity, we considered subthreshold (n= 83) and threshold anxiety disorders (n= 49, including Social Phobia, Specific Phobia, Agoraphobia, Panic Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder).ResultsIndividuals with either subthreshold or threshold anxiety disorder scored higher on all dimensional scales relative to individuals without anxiety. In addition, individuals with a threshold anxiety disorder scored higher on the dimensional scales than individuals with a subthreshold anxiety disorder (except for specific phobia). Disorder-related impairment ratings, global functioning assessments and number of panic attacks were associated with higher scores on dimensional scales. Findings were largely unaffected by the number of anxiety disorders and comorbid depressive disorders.ConclusionThe self-rated dimensional anxiety scales demonstrated sensitivity to clinical severity, and a cut-off based on additional assessment of impairment and distress may assist in the discrimination between subthreshold and threshold anxiety disorders. Findings suggest further research in various populations to test the utility of the scales for use in DSM-5.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Pasquale Roberge ◽  
Martin D. Provencher ◽  
Isabelle Gaboury ◽  
Patrick Gosselin ◽  
Helen-Maria Vasiliadis ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Transdiagnostic group cognitive-behavioral therapy (tCBT) is a delivery model that could help overcome barriers to large-scale implementation of evidence-based psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of combining group tCBT with treatment-as-usual (TAU), compared to TAU, for the treatment of anxiety disorders in community-based mental health care. Methods In a multicenter single-blind, two-arm pragmatic superiority randomized trial, we recruited participants aged 18–65 who met DSM-5 criteria for principal diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or agoraphobia. Group tCBT consisted of 12 weekly 2 h sessions. There were no restrictions for TAU. The primary outcome measures were the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and clinician severity rating from the Anxiety and Related Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-5 (ADIS-5) for the principal anxiety disorder at post-treatment, with intention-to-treat analysis. Results A total of 231 participants were randomized to either tCBT + TAU (117) or TAU (114), with outcome data available for, respectively, 95 and 106. Results of the mixed-effects regression models showed superior improvement at post-treatment for participants in tCBT + TAU, compared to TAU, for BAI [p < 0.001; unadjusted post-treatment mean (s.d.): 13.20 (9.13) v. 20.85 (10.96), Cohen's d = 0.76] and ADIS-5 [p < 0.001; 3.27 (2.19) v. 4.93 (2.00), Cohen's d = 0.79]. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the addition of group tCBT into usual care can reduce symptom severity in patients with anxiety disorders, and support tCBT dissemination in routine community-based care.


2015 ◽  
pp. 129-134
Author(s):  
Joel Paris

Other disorders that can suffer from overdiagnosis include autistic spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, and mild neurocognitive disorders. Autism in particular threatens to become a diagnostic epidemic as patients with a wide range of symptoms are seen as falling in the spectrum. While there is no pharmacological treatment for this condition, disability payments can be an issue. Generalized anxiety disorder and mild neurocgnitive disorder are also quite broadly defined in DSM-5.In each case, it can be difficult to distinguish these conditions from other mental disorders or from normality.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 404-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Borwin Bandelow

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental disorders and are associated with substantial healthcare costs and a high burden of disease. In this article, changes in the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (the DSM–5) with respect to panic disorder/agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and selective mutism are compared with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD–10) system.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
David S. Baldwin ◽  
Robert Gordon ◽  
Marianna Abelli ◽  
Stefano Pini

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) categorization of mental disorders places “separation anxiety disorder” within the broad group of anxiety disorders, and its diagnosis no longer rests on establishing an onset during childhood or adolescence. In previous editions of DSM, it was included within the disorders usually first diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence, with the requirement for an onset of symptoms before the age of 18 years: symptomatic adults could only receive a retrospective diagnosis, based on establishing this early onset. The new position of separation anxiety disorder is based upon the findings of epidemiological studies that revealed the unexpectedly high prevalence of the condition in adults, often in individuals with an onset of symptoms after the teenage years; its prominent place within the DSM-5 group of anxiety disorders should encourage further research into its epidemiology, etiology, and treatment. This review examines the clinical features and boundaries of the condition, and offers guidance on how it can be distinguished from other anxiety disorders and other mental disorders in which “separation anxiety” may be apparent.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 928-931
Author(s):  
Shiddnagouda K B ◽  
Roy K. B. ◽  
Prasannakumar Patil

Anxiety is arguably an emotion that predates the evolution of man. Its ubiquity in humans, and its presence in a range of anxiety disorders, makes it an important clinical focus. GAD (Generalised anxiety disorder) is the most common psychiatric disorder characterised by Repeated, Persistent and unrealistic worry about life-events but it is different from normal feelings of anxiousness. The prevalence rate of Anxiety disorder varies according to the different age groupas per the current DSM-5 criteria, only phobia and GAD are included under anxiety disorders, with weighted prevalence values of 4.2% and 5.8% respectively. For these available Psychiatric drugs are having various adverse effect and produces the dependency of the drugs, for this integrated approach is very essential, Ayurveda medicines are safe, cost effective hence here a case of chittodwega is successfully treated with Shamana medicine. Keywords: Generalized anxiety disorder, Chittodwega, Ayurveda, Shamana


Author(s):  
Vladan Starcevic, MD, PhD

The main characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are chronic pathological worry, other manifestations of nonphobic anxiety, and various symptoms of tension. Physical symptoms of anxiety are usually less prominent in GAD than in panic disorder, but they can still be an important component of clinical presentation. Behaviors that are often seen in other anxiety disorders, such as overt avoidance, are conspicuously absent. Unlike all other anxiety disorders, it is more likely for GAD in clinical setting to co-occur with a primary condition for which help has been sought–usually depression or other anxiety disorder–than to be the main reason for seeking professional help. Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the more controversial members of the family of anxiety disorders: it seems that almost every aspect of GAD has provoked debates that do not show signs of abating. Paradox, disagreement, debate, and controversy are the words most commonly associated with GAD. It is small wonder then that the list of ‘‘hot topics’’ related to GAD could be very long indeed. Listed below is a selection of issues thought to represent adequately a more comprehensive list…. 1. What are the characteristic features of GAD that would help in its conceptualization? Pathological worry, other cognitive aspects of anxiety, manifestations of tension, and/or (some) symptoms of autonomic arousal? What combination of these features would ensure that GAD is diagnosed adequately and recognized in clinical practice? 2. What is the relationship between pathological worry and GAD? 3. How can different views on what constitutes the essence of GAD be reconciled? Is GAD a single entity or are there two or more ‘‘types’’ of GAD with distinct clinical characteristics? 4. How is GAD related to depressive disorders, other anxiety disorders, and personality disturbance? Where are its boundaries? In view of its close relationship with depression, should GAD be classified along with depression and perhaps renamed accordingly? 5. Can GAD exist on its own, without depression or other anxiety disorders? What could be features specific enough for GAD that would allow it to establish itself as an independent and valid psychopathological and diagnostic entity? 6. What are the pathophysiological correlates of pathological worry and other aspects of chronic anxiety in GAD? 7. What are the underlying mechanisms and purpose of pathological worry in GAD? What is the meaning of chronic anxiety?


2016 ◽  
Vol 224 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Straube

Abstract. Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for most mental disorders, including anxiety disorders. Successful psychotherapy implies new learning experiences and therefore neural alterations. With the increasing availability of functional neuroimaging methods, it has become possible to investigate psychotherapeutically induced neuronal plasticity across the whole brain in controlled studies. However, the detectable effects strongly depend on neuroscientific methods, experimental paradigms, analytical strategies, and sample characteristics. This article summarizes the state of the art, discusses current theoretical and methodological issues, and suggests future directions of the research on the neurobiology of psychotherapy in anxiety disorders.


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