Panic Attacks

• discrete start and finish
• intense, but typically last less than 30 minutes
• symptoms include but are not limited to:
• palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, fear of losing control or of dying, chills, hot flashes, etc.
• can result in anxiety about where/when future panic attacks will occur

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• excessive, constant anxiety/worry about many things
• very difficult to control or turn off the worry process
• symptoms include but are not limited to:
• restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance

Social Anxiety Disorder

• extreme/irrational concern about being negatively evaluated by others
• sometimes (but not always) manifests as shyness
• may lead to avoidance of feared situations, or endurance but with extreme distress

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• obsessions = intrusive, anxiety-provoking thoughts
• compulsions = behaviors that attempt to relieve anxiety
• you want to stop thinking about the obsession but can’t
• common types of obsessions
• contamination, aggressive impulses, sexual content, somatic concerns, need for symmetry
• common types of compulsions
• checking, ordering/arranging, counting, washing

Depression

• feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, difficulty making decisions, etc.
• change in eating/sleeping patterns, energy loss, etc.
• ​ex: may sleep much more than normal, shower infrequently
• may result in anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), irritability, anger, acute sadness, etc
• overall negative perception on life
• tendency to blame self, believe that things will never get better, etc.

Bulimia

• binging behavior à consuming extreme amounts of food during a discrete period of time
• often takes place in secret
• sense of being out of control
• feelings of guilt or shame
• compensatory behaviors à purging, fasting, starving, vomiting, excessive exercise, use of laxatives, etc.
• do NOT have to throw up to have bulimia

Anorexia Nervosa

• negative body evaluations AND a disturbance in self-perception
• you may be very underweight, but not process it as such
• intense fear of gaining weight
• severe restriction of food intake
• may result in an obsession with food
• example: you cook but do not eat the food

Substance Related Disorders

• substance taken in larger amounts or over longer period than intended
• persistent desire to cut down or unsuccessful efforts
• lots of time on activities related to obtaining, using, or recovering
• strong cravings
• may result in difficulties fulfilling obligations, social or interpersonal problems, etc.​

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• inattention
• forgetfulness, zoning out, difficulties with organization, easily distracted, constant careless mistakes, failure to focus, etc.
• hyperactivity
• inability to sit still, excessive talking, difficulty waiting turns, constant interrupting, fidgety, etc.