Jin+Soo+Cheong+SAD

1. Describe the differences between specific phobias, social phobias, and agoraphobia. Specific phobias are fears of specific places or things in general such as claustrophobia. Social phobias are fears of social interaction. The people with this phobia usually have physical discomfort when presented to their phobia. Lastly, agoraphobia is a fear of a certain situation due to a traumatic event. For example, if a person was raped in the park, then that person might avoid going to parks because he/she is scared of being raped again.

2. What symptoms do children with generalized anxiety disorder have? Some symptoms that children with GAD have are fatigue, difficulty sleeping, restlessness and irritability.

3. Why is it difficult for individuals with panic disorder to get a correct diagnosis? Panic disorder has many symptoms that are similar to illnesses such as heart disease, thyroid problems and breathing disorders. Because of this, it takes several years before a correct diagnosis can be given.

4. Describe the methods used to treat anxiety disorders. The main methods to treat anxiety disorders are psychosocial treatment and medication. Psychosocial treatment mainly involves helping to patient trust his/her phobia. Medication usually involves taking drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and more. Sometimes, both of these treatments are combined.