Table 1.

Threat Bias by Anxiety Disorder

Disorder	Source of Threat	Common Presentations
Separation anxiety disorder	Excessive fear or anxiety about losing major attachment figures or persistent worry about an untoward event (e.g., getting kidnapped, getting lost) that will cause separation from major attachment figures	Cosleeps; follows caregiver around the home; avoids being in separate room from caregiver; repeatedly calls caregiver when separated; avoids school, camp, and other activities requiring separation
Social anxiety disorder	Fear of humiliation or embarrassment in situations involving performance or scrutiny by others	Avoids raising hand or speaking in class; avoids eye contact; avoids ordering food in restaurants; avoids talking on the phone, texting, or e-mailing peers; refuses to initiate conversations with peers
Panic disorder	Fear of recurrent panic attacks or their consequences (e.g., “going crazy,” “dying,” “losing control”)	Avoids places where panic attacks have occurred before; avoids activities that create strong physical sensations (e.g., heavy exercise)
Agoraphobia	Fear of places where immediate escape may be embarrassing or difficult or help not available	Avoids leaving home or relies on adult to leave home; avoids crowded and enclosed spaces
Specific phobia	Marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation (e.g., animals, natural environment, needles, transportation)	Has intense fear and avoidance of insects, animals, storms, blood, needles, medical procedures, subways, planes, or buses
Generalized anxiety disorder	General feeling of dread or unease associated with the perception of uncontrollability and unpredictability about a number of events or activities such as school performance, health, financial matters or family problems	Constantly seeks reassurance; has disrupted sleep, fatigue, irritability, restlessness, and/or difficulty focusing due to worries
Obsessive-compulsive disorder	Fear of intrusive and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images	Constantly worries about dirt or germs; fears harm or danger to a loved one or to self; practices ritualized washing; arranges or orders objects; repeats, rereads, or rewrites; checks and rechecks; counts objects such as number of steps