Fear and anxiety are among the symptoms of mental illnesses that are not fully understood. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) seeks to provide clarity. According to the DSM, fear refers to the emotional response that individuals exhibit when confronted with a threat. On the other hand, anxiety is the apprehension and unease that individuals experience as they anticipate an event that is frightening (APA, 2013). Explaining this difference to a client, I would say that “you are said to be in fear when you are frightened about something that is happening right now. On the other hand, if what frightens you is yet to happen but is imminent, you can be described as having developed anxiety.”
When treating patients with anxiety disorders, practitioners often prescribe such medications as Benzodiazepines and anxiolytics. Supposing that I am speaking to a client about the benefits of these medications, I would share that “when you take these medications, you will be relieved of the various symptoms of anxiety disorders (Baldwin et al., 2013). Moreover, you will be able to sleep better. However, as you take these medications, you need to understand that they have side effects. These side effects include impaired performance and altered cognitive function (Baldwin et al., 2013). I would strongly advise that you use these medications with caution and under the careful guidance of a practitioner.” helping to relieve patients of the symptoms of anxiety disorders and allowing them to sleep better are some of the benefits that these medications present (Baldwin et al., 2013).
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The DSM sheds light on some of the substances that can cause anxiety disorders. Caffeine and alcohol are some of these substances (“Substance Use Disorders”, n.d). For example, in an effort to cope with social anxiety disorder, individuals may consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Speaking with a client who consumes substances and would like to know which substances are most likely to cause anxiety, I would caution that “if you continue to use caffeine and alcohol, you expose yourself to an elevated risk of exhibiting anxiety symptoms.
Reviewing the items on the GAD-7 and the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder as stipulated in the DSM-V reveals the symptoms that define this condition. The symptoms that are found in both tools are excessive anxiety and worry, and irritability. Restlessness is another symptom found in both the GAD-7 and the DSM.
Social anxiety disorder is a condition that affects millions. The DSM and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety scale identify the symptoms that one should exhibit to be diagnosed with the condition. The common symptoms are fear about social situations, anxiety that one is being judged harshly. It is worth noting that while the DSM is more explicit in its listing of the symptoms, the Liebowitz scale simply contains questions that point to the symptoms.
This assignment has shed light on phobias. Another issue that has become clear through this assignment is that the popular understanding of phobias is incorrect. Many regard those with phobias as cowards who refuse to deal with their fears. This perspective is incorrect and unfair. The phobias are real conditions that require interventions and sympathy for those who have the conditions.
References
American Psychological Association (APA). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Fifth Edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Baldwin, D. S., Aitchison, K., Bateson, A. et al. (2013). Benzodiazepines: risks and benefits. A reconsideration. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 27 (11), 967-71.
Substance use disorders. (n.d). Anxiety and Depression Society of America. Retrieved September 28, 2018 from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/substance-abuse
