|
|
Specific Phobia
American Description Formerly Simple Phobia Diagnostic Criteria Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood). Exposure to the phobic stimulus almost invariably provokes an immediate anxiety response, which may take the form of a situationally bound or situationally predisposed Panic Attack. Note: In children, the anxiety may be expressed by crying, tantrums, freezing, or clinging. The person recognizes that the fear is excessive or unreasonable. Note: In children, this feature may be absent. The phobic situation(s) is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress. The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the person's normal routine, occupational (or academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia. In individuals under age 18 years, the duration is at least 6 months. The anxiety, Panic Attacks, or phobic avoidance associated with the specific object or situation are not better accounted for by another mental disorder, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (e.g., fear of dirt in someone with an obsession about contamination), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (e.g., avoidance of stimuli associated with a severe stressor), Separation Anxiety Disorder (e.g., avoidance of school), Social Phobia (e.g., avoidance of social situations because of fear of embarrassment), Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia, or Agoraphobia Without History of Panic Disorder. Specify type: Animal Type Natural Environment Type (e.g., heights, storms, water) Blood-Injection-Injury Type Situational Type (e.g., airplanes, elevators, enclosed places) Other Type (e.g., phobic avoidance of situations that may lead to choking, vomiting, or contracting an illness; in children, avoidance of loud sounds or costumed characters) Associated Features Depressed Mood Anxious/Fearful/Dependent Personality Differential Diagnosis Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia; Social Phobia; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Separation Anxiety Disorder; Hypochondriasis; Anorexia Nervosa; Bulimia Nervosa; Schizophrenia or another Psychotic Disorder. Internet Mental Health (www.mentalhealth.com) copyright © 1995-2000 by Phillip W. Long, M.D.
|
|
 BipolarConnection
2001 - 2008
Designed by
Although BipolarConnection Network strives for
the highest quality in the resources offered here, unless otherwise noted,
BipolarConnection Network is not responsible for the validity or accuracy of the
material presented in. The pages are thought to be accurate, but no warranties,
expressed or implied, are made. The opinions of the authors are not necessarily
the opinion of BipolarConnection Network.
The contents of BipolarConnection Network are
for information purposes only and do not replace the assessment of a physician
or psychotherapist.. Always consult a trained mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment choice or changes in your treatment. Never discontinue treatment or medication without first consulting your physician, clinician or therapist. If you are feeling like you want to harm yourself or others, please consult a mental health professional or other health care professional IMMEDIATELY. Online resources are not meant to nor cannot replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a health care or mental health care professional. |
