Phobic Disorders
Specific Phobia
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)
Diagnostic Criteria for Phobic Disorders
Treatment
Non-Pharmacological
Source
Toronto Notes 2012
- Definition: marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation
- Lifetime prevalence 12-16%; M:F ratio variable
- Types: animal/insect, environment (heights, storms), blood/injection/injury, situational (airplane, closed spaces), other (loud noise, clowns)
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)
- Definition: marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others; person fears he/she will act in a way that may be humiliating or embarrassing (e.g. public speaking, initiating or maintaining conversation, dating, eating in public)
- Lifetime prevalence may be as high as 13-16%; M<F
Diagnostic Criteria for Phobic Disorders
- Exposure provokes an immediate anxiety response
- Person recognizes fear as excessive or unreasonable
- Situations are avoided or endured with anxiety/distress
- Significant interference with daily routine, occupational/social functioning, and/or marked distress
- If person is < 18 yrs, duration is ≥ 6 months
Treatment
Non-Pharmacological
- Exposure therapy I desensitization, insight -oriented psychotherapy
- CBT (more efficacious than medication)
- B-blockers or benzodiazepines in acute situations (e.g. public speaking)
- SSRis, MAOis, clomipramine
Source
Toronto Notes 2012