Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterised by recurrent unexpected panic attacks that are not restricted to particular stimuli or situations. Panic attacks are discrete episodes of intense fear or apprehension accompanied by the rapid and concurrent onset of several characteristic symptoms (e.g. palpitations or increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, chills, hot flushes, fear of imminent death).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterised by the presence of persistent obsessions or compulsions, or most commonly both. Obsessions are repetitive and persistent thoughts, images, or impulses/urges that are intrusive, unwanted, and are commonly associated with anxiety. The individual attempts to ignore or suppress obsessions or to neutralize them by performing compulsions. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours including repetitive mental acts that the individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, according to rigid rules, or to achieve a sense of ‘completeness’.
Depression
A depressive episode is characterised by a period of depressed mood or diminished interest in activities occurring most of the day, nearly every day during a period lasting at least two weeks accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt, hopelessness, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, changes in appetite or sleep, psychomotor agitation and reduced energy or fatigue.
Health Anxiety
Characterised by persistent preoccupation or fear about the possibility of having one or more serious, progressive or life-threatening illnesses. The preoccupation is accompanied by either: 1) repetitive and excessive health-related behaviours, such as repeatedly checking of the body; or 2) maladaptive avoidance behaviour related to health (e.g. avoids medical appointments). The symptoms result in significant distress
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a marked excessive fear or anxiety that consistently occurs in one or more social interactions. The individual is concerned that he or she will act in a way or show anxiety symptoms, that will be negatively evaluted by others.
Specific Phobias
Specific phobia is characterised by a marked and excessive fear or anxiety that consistently occurs upon exposure or anticipation of exposure to one or more specific objects or situations (e.g., proximity to certain animals, flying, heights, closed spaces, sight of blood or injury) that is out of proportion to actual danger. The phobic objects or situations are avoided or else endured with intense fear or anxiety.
Common Issues I Work With
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop following exposure to an extremely threatening or horrific event or series of events. It is characterised by all of the following: 1) re-experiencing the traumatic event or events in the present in the form of vivid intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares. Re-experiencing may occur via one or multiple sensory modalities and is typically accompanied by strong or overwhelming emotions, particularly fear or horror, and strong physical sensations; 2) avoidance of thoughts and memories of the event or events, or avoidance of activities, situations, or people reminiscent of the event(s); and 3) persistent perceptions of heightened current threat, for example as indicated by hypervigilance or an enhanced startle reaction to stimuli such as unexpected noises.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD may develop following exposure to an extremely threatening or horrific event or series of events. It is characterized by the following:
1) Reexperiencing the traumatic event or events in the present in the form of vivid intrusive memories, flashbacks or nightmares. 2) Avoidance of thoughts, and memories of the events or events. Or avoidance of activities, situations or people reminiscent of the event.
Agoraphobia
Marked by excessive fear or anxiety that occurs in multiple situations where escape may be difficult or help not available (such as being in crowds). The individual is consistently anxious about these situations due to a fear of a specific outcome such as a panic attack.
General Anxiety Disorder
Characterized by marked symptoms of general apprehension or excessive worry focused on multiple everyday events. This experience can be accompanied by muscularly attention, restlessness, irritability and sleep disturbance.
Specific Phobias
Specific phobia is characterised by a marked and excessive fear or anxiety that consistently occurs upon exposure or anticipation of exposure to one or more specific objects or situations (e.g., proximity to certain animals, flying, heights, closed spaces, sight of blood or injury) that is out of proportion to actual danger. The phobic objects or situations are avoided or else endured with intense fear or anxiety.
Low self-confidence
Low appraisal of one's self worth. This can lead to self fulfilling behaviours that perpetuate and reinforce this low valuation.
Ambivalence
It is not concerning if you feel either in line with numerous problems or none at all. This list can offer us some guidance to put a 'name to a face' but our starting point can be to just simply identify problematic symptoms. From there we may refer to this list, to help your clarity and further your knowledge.
Please note this list is not extensive, feel free to use the consultation option to discuss any problematic symptoms not currently shown above. This list shows only part of the criteria for each disorder in accordance with the ICD-11.