definition of anxiety

 

Definition of Anxiety

What is the current definition of anxiety?

“Modern science views anxiety as a set of behavioral, endocrine and physiological responses, such as avoidance and arousal, which evolved to protect the individual from potential threats [Although these responses convey clear adaptive value, experiencing them excessively or in the absence of the threatening stimuli might characterize serious illness, negatively interfering in the social and professional life of the individual( Coutinho and  Dias
2010).”

 

Facts about the definition of anxiety

  • In studying the definition of anxiety , we can see that it has changed throughout the centuries.  ( Coutinho, Fernanda Corrêa; Dias, Gisele Pereira 2010).
  • In the past, we mostly understood the definition of anxiety in terms of it’s physical symptoms until the 19th century when the mental components  were recognized.  ( Coutinho, Fernanda Corrêa; Dias, Gisele Pereira 2010).
  •  The word anxiety was first used to refer to a mental condition in the 18th century.  ( Coutinho, Fernanda Corrêa; Dias, Gisele Pereira 2010).
  • The responses currently considered to be anxiety-related have not always been linked to anxiety, and the concept of anxiety has changed over time.  ( Coutinho, Fernanda Corrêa; Dias, Gisele Pereira 2010).
  • Our current understanding of anxiety, and those reflected in the information of these pages is highly influenced by Darwin. At different points in history that was not the case.  ( Coutinho, Fernanda Corrêa; Dias, Gisele Pereira 2010).
  • The culture and climate of the time has shaped the beliefs and understanding about anxiety ( Coutinho, Fernanda Corrêa; Dias, Gisele Pereira 2010).

DSM V Definition of Anxiety


To talk about the definition of anxiety , we would need to talk about a specific diagnosis, of which there are several. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.;

DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) is the most widely 
accepted nomenclature used by clinicians and researchers for the classification of mental disorders. 

General anxiety disorder is the closest to a neutral definition of anxiety, so the current criteria is listed below.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder 300.02 (F41.1)

A. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance).

B. The individual finds it difficult to control the worry.

C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms having been present for more days than not for the past 6 months):

Note: Only one item required in children.

1. Restlessness, feeling keyed up or on edge.

2. Being easily fatigued.

3. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.

4. Irritability.

5. Muscle tension.

6. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep).

D. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

E. The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).

F. The disturbance is not better explained by another medical disorder (e.g., anxiety or worry about having panic attacks in panic disorder, negative evaluation in social anxiety disorder [social phobia], contamination or other obsessions in obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation from attachment figures in separation anxiety disorder, reminders of traumatic events in posttraumatic stress disorder, gaining weight in anorexia nervosa, physical complaints in somatic symptom disorder, perceived appearance flaws in body dysmorphic disorder, having a serious illness in illness anxiety disorder, or the content of delusional beliefs in schizophrenia or delusional disorder).
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013)

 

 

Our current definition of diagnosable anxiety includes behavior, physiologic symptoms, thought content, mood and emotional symptoms. However, you can still have anxiety without meeting a diagnosable criterion. You might meet criteria for one of the other anxiety disorders, or you may have a subclinical diagnosis. All of which therapy might help with.

 

Resources

Coutinho, Fernanda Corrêa; Dias, Gisele Pereira. (2010).Current concept of anxiety: implications from Darwin to the DSM-V for the diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics 10(8 ), 1307-20. http://dx.doi.org.proxy141.nclive.org/10.1586/ern.10.101

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC:   Author.

 

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Medical information obtained from this website is not intended as a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you have a problem, you should consult a healthcare provider.

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