Diagnosing Anxiety Disorders

Self-diagnosis is never a good thing.

It doesn't matter whether you suffer from automobile or industrial accidents, criminal (including sexual) assaults, exposure to toxic substances, war, or natural and man-made disasters, it's important to get a very comprehensive assessment to see if you have an anxiety disorder. This is necessary because anxiety-based problems are complex and can only be treated appropriately when a careful, accurate diagnosis has been made. Evaluation may include any or all of the following:

1. A detailed structured interview to assess past or present anxiety problems.
2. A number of paper and pencil questionnaires.
3. Detailed physiological procedures.
4. You may be required to have a comprehensive physical examination, a battery of blood tests, and evaluations by an internist, neurologist, endocrinologist and an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. Other diagnostic procedures may be used in rare cases.

These assessment procedures help to determine the nature of the anxiety problem and lead to recommendations for appropriate treatment.

Here are the criteria used to diagnose an anxiety disorder.

Diagnosing a Child

At certain ages, children seem to have more fears than at others. Nearly all children develop fears of the dark, monsters, witches, or other fantasy images. Over time, these normal fears fade. But when they persist or when they begin to interfere with a child's normal daily routine, he or she may need the attention of a mental health professional. Children showing signs of an anxiety disorder should first get a physical exam to rule out any possible illness or physical problem.

Children are screened using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC) and fully evaluated by a mental health professional.

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