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Anxiety, Somatoform, and Dissociative Disorders AJ Curless August 6, 2013 PSY/410 Lara Ashbaugh

The particular interest in this paper includes anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, and dissociative disorders. According to, Hansell and Damour (2008) the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000), includes diagnostic and classifications in identifying and diagnosing mental disorders. The classifications and symptoms of these disorders will be examined. In addition, the case of Anna O. will be discussed pertaining to the biological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components of the disorder.
Anxiety Disorders “The primary distinction between fear and anxiety is that fear is directed at a specific stimuli; whereas anxiety is more of a general feeling of apprehension about the future” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 115). According to, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000), there are several specific disorders that stem from excessive anxiety. They include: agoraphobia, acute stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders stemmed from substance abuse, general anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), specific phobia, and social phobia. It is normal to experience fear and anxiety at some point in life but when it interferes with daily functions it can cause a serious psychological dysfunction.
“Biological, psychological, and environmental and sociocultural factors all play a role in the development of psychological disorders” (Passer & Smith, 2004, p. 1). * Biological factors such as genetic, neurotransmitter and evolutionary factors are all included in the development of anxiety

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