Identifying the Distinctive Symptoms of Pathological Anxiety
Cognitive symptoms:
- Persistent fear of losing control over oneself or the situation
- Intense fear of physical injury or death
- Fear of "going crazy" or losing touch with reality
- Excessive worry about negative evaluation by others
- Frightening thoughts, mental images, or memories that are hard to control
- Feeling detached from reality or experiencing unreality
- Difficulty concentrating, confusion, and being easily distracted
- Narrowing of attention, focusing only on perceived threats
- Hypervigilance for potential danger or threats
- Poor memory and forgetfulness
- Difficulty speaking due to anxiety
Physiological symptoms:
- Increased heart rate and palpitations
- Shortness of breath and rapid breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sensation of choking or difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, and feeling faint
- Sweating, hot flashes, or chills
- Nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea
- Trembling, shaking, or muscle twitching
- Tingling or numbness in the arms and legs
- Weakness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint
- Tense muscles and body rigidity
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
Behavioral symptoms:
- Avoidance of situations or cues that trigger anxiety
- Seeking escape or flight from anxiety-provoking situations
- Constant pursuit of safety and reassurance
- Restlessness, agitation, or pacing
- Hyperventilation or rapid breathing
- Freezing or being motionless due to overwhelming anxiety
- Difficulty speaking or expressing oneself
Affective symptoms:
- Feeling nervous, tense, and wound up
- Experiencing intense fear, terror, or feeling terrified
- Being edgy, jumpy, or jittery
- Feeling impatient and easily frustrated
Anxiety Disorders as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013):
1. Separation Anxiety Disorder:
This disorder involves excessive anxiety and fear related to separation from attachment figures, leading to persistent worries about harm, loss, or separation. Nightmares and physical symptoms may also be present, and the symptoms can extend into adulthood.
2. Selective Mutism:
Characterized by consistent inability to speak in certain social situations despite being able to speak in other circumstances, particularly in children.
3. Specific Phobia:
Involves intense fear or anxiety about specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance or endurance with extreme fear or anxiety. The fear is disproportionate to the actual danger posed.
4. Social Anxiety Disorder:
Marked fear or anxiety about social situations where scrutiny is possible, often accompanied by fear of negative evaluation or embarrassment. Avoidance of such situations is common.
5. Panic Disorder:
Characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about having another attack. Individuals may change their behavior to avoid future attacks.
6. Agoraphobia:
Fear and anxiety about being in situations where escape might be difficult or help may not be available in the event of panic-like symptoms.
7. Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Involves persistent and excessive worry about various domains, accompanied by restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
8. Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder:
Anxiety symptoms caused by substance intoxication, withdrawal, or medical treatment.
9. Anxiety Disorder Due to Other Medical Conditions:
Anxiety symptoms as a physiological consequence of another medical condition, such as endocrine or cardiovascular disorders.
Chand, S., Ravi, C., & Manepalli, J. (2023). Anxiety disorders 3(4), 273-281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-014-0105-6