We hear terms like “social anxiety disorder” or “panic attacks” all the time. Do you ever wonder what the “officially” recognized anxiety disorders are? Well, to find out, you need a little history…

Psychiatrists in the U.S. (and around the world) use a standard manual of recognized mental disorders when diagnosing and treating mental disorders The manual is referred to as “The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (or “DSM”), and it is published by the American Psychiatric Association and provides diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.

The DSM has been revised five times since it was first published in 1952 (so the current manual is referred to as “DSM-V”). For a mental disorder to be “officially” recognized, it must be in the DSM.

A number of social anxiety disorders are recognized by the DSM-V, including: a variety of different panic disorders, specific phobia, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (or OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD), acute stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD), substance-induced anxiety disorder, and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified.

Social anxiety disorder is generally categorized under the “social phobia” category. Check back at this site, and we’ll review some of the diagnostic information provided in the DSM regarding social anxiety disorder (as well as some of the other recognized social phobias).

I just heard about National Stress Out Week (it was on November 9-15, 2008). I’m sorry I missed it. I definitely had stress that week.

National Stress Out Week was designed to encourage people to unwind and relax.

Here’s a summary of the Week from the official website:

Our lives are often filled with stress, even when the economy isn’t riding a bumpy rollercoaster and a national election hasn’t consumed our thoughts. Everyone experiences stress and anxiety at one time or another.

During National Stress Øut Week, take time to relax and unwind and discover the difference between everyday stress and an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a normal reaction that lets you know that something isn’t right. It keeps you from harm’s way and prepares you to act quickly in the face of danger. However, for some 40 million adults in the United States, anxiety is persistent, irrational, and overwhelming—and it can interfere with daily life. If this is what you’re experiencing, you may have an anxiety disorder.

The term “anxiety disorders” describes a group of conditions that includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia), and specific phobias.

This year National Stress Øut Week highlights the benefits of physical activity in reducing stress.

(I’m not sure why they use the funky “Ø” in “Øut” … maybe it’s relaxing?). I hope everyone enjoyed low stress and anxiety that week!