MichelleSAD

1. **Describe the differences between specific phobias, social phobias, and agoraphobia.** Social phobias generally include individuals being unable to interact with other members of the society, such as strangers, coworkers, or even peers. It is usually defined as a fear to be actively interacting, talking, or contacting other individuals, especially in public (fear of "people") Individuals who suffer from specific phobias, or strong irrational fear reactions, tend to avoid common places, situations, or objects, in spite of their awareness on the absence of any potential danger or threat. (fear of "places, situations, objects") Contrastingly, individuals suffering from agoraphobia experience an inability to enter crowded places or the public, due to their past experiences or memories of those places that have had a considerably negative impact on the individual. (fear of "crowd/public" due to past experience).

2. **What symptoms do children with generalized anxiety disorder have?** //"Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things." // One of the most common symptoms of children who suffer from anxiety disorder is the fear of performance, especially in front of a crowd or public. Their excessive anxiety leads them to become overwhelmingly worried or fearful of future events, in spite of the absence of valid reasoning. Excessive separation fear can also be classified as one of the most common symptoms as well. The physical symptoms include muscle tension, fatigue, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, edginess, gastrointestinal comfort or diarrhea.

3. **Why is it difficult for individuals with panic disorder to get a correct diagnosis?** Due to the disorder occurring simultaneously with another mental or physical disorder, such as anxiety disorders, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, or substance abuse, a correct diagnosis can often times be difficult for individuals with panic disorder.

4. **Describe the methods used to treat anxiety disorders.** As much as the symptoms vary on a large scale, methods to treat anxiety disorders also result in varying consequences among individuals. Nonetheless, the most-commonly standardized methods are known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (which can be divided into cognitive therapy and behavior therapy), relaxation, and medication. Cognitive therapy is targeted towards changing the unwanted and disturbing thought patterns, giving the individual the ability to discern reality from imagination. Behavior therapy is targeted towards gain control over unwanted behavior, giving the individual ability to cope with stressful situations. Similarly, relaxation is targeted towards reducing the amount of stress and physical symptoms that result in anxiety disorders.