PS7.1,PS8.1 | Anxiety Spectrum Disorders — Glossary

A DSM-5 trauma-related disorder characterised by ≥9 symptoms across intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal clusters, occurring 3 days to 1 month after a qualifying traumatic event.

ICD-11's categorisation of the normal, time-limited human response to an exceptional stressor — classified as a normal response, NOT as a mental disorder. Distinct from DSM-5's Acute Stress Disorder.

An emotional or behavioural disorder (DSM-5 and ICD-11) characterised by disproportionate distress or functional impairment in response to an identifiable stressor, with onset within 1 month (ICD-11) or 3 months (DSM-5) and resolution within 6 months of stressor cessation.

Fear and avoidance of situations from which escape might be difficult or help unavailable during a panic attack (e.g. crowds, public transport, open spaces); frequently comorbid with panic disorder.

A bilateral almond-shaped nucleus in the medial temporal lobe that mediates threat detection and fear responses; hyperresponsive in anxiety disorders.

A class of sedative-anxiolytic drugs that enhance GABA-A receptor function; effective for acute anxiety relief but associated with significant risk of physical dependence with use beyond 2-4 weeks.

A non-benzodiazepine, non-sedating anxiolytic (5-HT1A partial agonist) used for GAD; onset is delayed 2-4 weeks; no dependence risk or abuse potential.

A structured psychological treatment that targets maladaptive cognitions (e.g. catastrophic thinking) and behaviours (e.g. avoidance) maintaining anxiety; the first-line psychological treatment for all anxiety disorders.

An ICD-11 diagnosis seen after prolonged, repeated interpersonal trauma (abuse, captivity, torture); includes core PTSD features plus disturbances in self-organisation — emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, and persistent relational difficulties.

A cognitive model of PTSD proposing that the disorder is maintained by excessively negative trauma appraisals and a poorly contextualised trauma memory stored as sensory fragments; the evidence base for TF-CBT's cognitive and memory-processing components.

An evidence-based treatment for PTSD in which the patient processes traumatic memories while performing bilateral eye movements; shown in RCTs to be as effective as TF-CBT.

The gradual reduction of a conditioned fear response when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus; the core therapeutic mechanism in TF-CBT and a process impaired in PTSD.

The principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system; reduced GABAergic activity is associated with heightened anxiety; the pharmacological target of benzodiazepines.

A chronic anxiety disorder characterised by excessive, uncontrollable worry about multiple everyday domains, present on more days than not for ≥6 months (DSM-5), with ≥3 associated somatic/cognitive symptoms.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; the primary neuroendocrine stress-response system releasing cortisol; chronically activated in anxiety disorders.

A cluster of symptoms in ASD/PTSD reflecting persistent physiological over-alertness: hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, sleep disturbance, irritability/anger outbursts, and concentration difficulties.

A Pavlovian learning process in panic disorder where normal internal physiological sensations (e.g. slight increase in heart rate) become conditioned triggers for panic attacks.

Re-experiencing phenomena in ASD/PTSD including flashbacks (involuntary sensory-perceptual re-experiencing of the trauma), distressing nightmares, intrusive memories, and intense physiological or psychological reactivity to trauma cues.

The current Indian legislation governing mental health services; decriminalised suicide attempt; guarantees the right to mental healthcare; established advance directives and nominated representatives; replaced the Mental Health Act 1987.

A personality trait characterised by emotional instability and tendency to experience negative emotions; a major risk factor for developing anxiety and depressive disorders.

A discrete surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes, with ≥4 of 13 specified somatic and cognitive symptoms (DSM-5); may occur in panic disorder, other anxiety disorders, or in isolation.

An anxiety disorder characterised by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by ≥1 month of persistent concern about future attacks or significant behavioural change (DSM-5).

Dissociative experiences (derealisation, depersonalisation, dissociative amnesia) occurring during or immediately after a traumatic event; a significant predictor of ASD and subsequent PTSD development.

A trauma- and stressor-related disorder (DSM-5 and ICD-11) characterised by intrusion, avoidance, negative cognitions/mood, and hyperarousal symptoms persisting >1 month after exposure to a traumatic event.

An alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker with RCT evidence for reducing PTSD-related nightmares and sleep disturbance; a preferred pharmacological option for this specific symptom domain over benzodiazepines.

A therapeutic technique involving structured education of patients (and families) about the nature, course, and treatment of a psychiatric disorder; an essential first step in managing anxiety disorders.

The WHO-endorsed immediate psychosocial support framework for trauma survivors; involves safety, active listening, practical assistance, and social support facilitation — does not include formal debriefing.

Actions taken to prevent or reduce perceived threat in anxiety disorders (e.g. avoidance, reassurance-seeking, carrying a 'safety object'); maintain anxiety in the long term by preventing extinction of the fear response.

An anxiety disorder involving marked, persistent fear of social or performance situations due to fear of negative evaluation or embarrassment, lasting ≥6 months, causing significant distress or impairment.

An anxiety disorder characterised by intense, disproportionate fear of a specific object or situation (e.g. needles, heights, animals), with immediate anxiety on exposure and persistent avoidance lasting ≥6 months.

A class of antidepressants that block the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic terminal, increasing synaptic serotonin; first-line pharmacotherapy for all anxiety disorders.

Thoughts of ending one's own life, ranging from passive (wish to be dead) to active (plan and intent); a mandatory assessment component in all patients with stress-related disorders, including adjustment disorder.

The first-line evidence-based psychological treatment for ASD and PTSD; combines trauma narrative construction, cognitive restructuring of maladaptive appraisals, and graduated in-vivo exposure to trauma-related cues.