PSYCH 650 Psychopathology Week 6 Discussion Anxiety Disorder response 1

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Capella University *

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650

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Psychology

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Jan 9, 2024

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Valencia Walker  PSYCH/650: Psychopathology Week 6 Discussion - - Anxiety Disorder Instructor Katia Araujo, Psy.D. January 4, 2024 Greetings, Review Chapter 9 of the textbook and the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder (social phobia) in the DSM-5 .   Evaluate one of the differential diagnoses (e.g., agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder) and discuss, in your own words, how that diagnosis differs from social anxiety disorder. Which of these differences is most helpful in understanding how these two disorders are separated diagnostically? Explain your position. Introduction: Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social situations due to the perceived scrutiny or judgment of others. Chapter 9 of the textbook and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provide essential insights into the diagnostic criteria for SAD (American Psychiatric Association APA, 2013). Differential Diagnosis: Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is another anxiety disorder often considered in the differential diagnosis of social anxiety disorder. While both conditions share some standard features, it is crucial to discern their differences for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Distinguishing Features: Social Anxiety Disorder: The primary fear in SAD revolves around social situations and interactions, where individuals are excessively concerned about negative evaluation and embarrassment (APA, 2013). Agoraphobia: In contrast, agoraphobia involves a fear of situations or places where escape might be challenging, or help might not be available in the event of a panic attack or other incapacitating symptoms (APA, 2013). Scope of Avoidance: Social Anxiety Disorder: Individuals with SAD tend to avoid social gatherings, public speaking, or situations that involve interpersonal interactions (APA, 2013). Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is characterized by a broader avoidance pattern, encompassing various situations such as public transportation, open spaces, enclosed spaces, crowds, or being outside the home alone (APA, 2013). Underlying Cognitive Patterns: Social Anxiety Disorder: Cognitive distortions in SAD often revolve around negative self-perception and exaggerated fears of judgment from others (APA, 2013). Agoraphobia: Cognitive distortions in agoraphobia may include catastrophic thoughts related to the consequences of being in situations perceived as unsafe or unmanageable (APA, 2013). Onset and Triggers: Social Anxiety Disorder: Onset often occurs in adolescence, triggered by social demands and expectations (APA, 2013).
Agoraphobia: Onset may be more associated with panic attacks, with the fear of having a panic attack being a central component (APA, 2013). Most Helpful Diagnostic Separation: The distinction between the scope of avoidance in social anxiety disorder and agoraphobia is constructive in diagnostically separating these two disorders. While individuals with SAD limit their avoidance of social situations, those with agoraphobia exhibit a more generalized avoidance pattern that extends beyond interpersonal contexts (APA, 2013; Hofmann, 2007). Understanding this fundamental difference aids clinicians in pinpointing the specific nature of the patient's anxiety and tailoring interventions accordingly. For instance, exposure therapy may be focused on social situations for individuals with SAD, whereas a more comprehensive approach addressing various conditions might be necessary for those with agoraphobia (APA, 2013). Conclusion: In conclusion, a thorough evaluation of the differential diagnosis, particularly agoraphobia, provides a nuanced understanding of how social anxiety disorder is distinguished diagnostically. The differentiation based on the scope of avoidance offers valuable insights for clinicians to develop targeted interventions, enhancing the accuracy of diagnoses and the efficacy of treatment strategies.
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References American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Beidel, D. C., & Frueh, B. C. (2018). Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis(8th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Hofmann, S. G. (2007). Cognitive factors that maintain social anxiety disorder: A comprehensive model and its treatment implications. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 36(4), 193- 209. Craske, M. G., & Barlow, D. H. (2008). Panic disorder and agoraphobia. Annual Review of Psychology, 59, 357-381. Rapee, R. M., & Heimberg, R. G. (1997). A cognitive-behavioral model of anxiety in social phobia. Behavior Research and Therapy, 35(8), 741-756.