Anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders
Everyone feels anxious sometimes; anxiety disorders involve fear or worry that is excessive and disruptive. This lesson is for learning about psychology, not for diagnosing yourself or anyone else; if you are struggling, talk to a qualified professional.
Anxiety disorders
Generalised anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry about many things. Panic disorder involves repeated unexpected panic attacks, sudden surges of intense fear with symptoms such as a racing heart. Specific phobias are intense fears of particular objects or situations, and social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of being judged by others.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves obsessions, intrusive and unwanted thoughts, and compulsions, repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety the obsessions cause, such as repeated hand-washing or checking. The compulsions bring temporary relief, which can reinforce the cycle.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in mood and thinking, and heightened arousal, such as being easily startled. Social support is an important protective factor.
Flashcard
A sudden surge of intense fear with physical symptoms
Check your understanding
Repeated, unwanted thoughts about contamination that lead to excessive hand-washing are characteristic of: