Final answer:
Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent and excessive fear and apprehension, affecting a significant portion of adults in the U.S. They include conditions like OCD, PTSD, and phobias, and are formally diagnosed using the DSM published by the American Psychological Association.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive, persistent fear and apprehension and by related disturbances in behavior. They are the most common mental disorders in the United States, with a significant percentage of adults affected annually. Unlike normal anxiety, which is a typical response to stress, anxiety disorders involve prolonged feelings of worry and fear over a period of months. These disorders encompass a range of conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and various phobias.
Developments in diagnosing and classifying psychological disorders are guided by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychological Association. The DSM provides detailed description of symptoms that aid in diagnosing anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions. It is essential to consult healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
It is important to also note the distinction between anxiety disorders and other types of disorders such as body dysmorphic disorders, which can have an overlap with eating disorders, and personality disorders, characterized by enduring and inflexible patterns of behavior that cause distress or impairment.