Table 1.

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition criteria by diagnosis

Disorder	Symptom criteria
Generalized anxiety disorder	Nonspecific, uncontrollable worry occurring with three or more of the following symptoms (one for children)
	Restlessness
	Fatigue
	Difficulty concentrating
	Irritability
	Muscle tension
	Sleep difficulties
Social phobia/social anxiety disorder	Fear of humiliation or embarrassment in a social or performance situation that involves possible scrutiny by others. Exposure to the feared object/situation causes immediate anxiety reaction. In children, this may include crying, tantrums, freezing, clinging.
	In children, there must be evidence that they are able to have age-appropriate relationships, and the anxiety must occur with peers, not just adults.
Separation anxiety	Anxiety concerning separation from home or from attachment figures. Must exhibit three of the following symptoms:
	Excessive distress when separation occurs or is anticipated
	Worry about attachment figures getting hurt
	Refusal to go to school or other places because of fear of separation
	Reluctance to be alone or without major attachment figures at home or in other settings
	Refusal to sleep alone or away from home
	Nightmares about separation
	Experiencing physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea, or vomiting) during separation or anticipated separation
Panic disorder	Criteria for a panic attack
	Sudden onset of four or more of the following symptoms:
	Racing/pounding heartbeat
	Sweating
	Trembling or shaking
	Shortness of breath
	Choking feeling
	Chest pain
	Nausea/stomach ache
	Feeling lightheaded
	Derealization/depersonalization
	Fear of losing control
	Fear of dying
	Numbness or tingling sensations
	Chills or hot flushes
	Panic disorder
	Recurrent unexpected Panic Attacks followed by concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications of the attack, or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks
Specific phobia	Fear of a specific object or situation (eg, flying, heights, animals, receiving injections, seeing blood).
	Exposure to the feared object/situation causes immediate anxiety reaction. In children, this may include crying, tantrums, freezing, clinging.
	The person must recognize that the fear is excessive (can be absent in children).