Personalized diagnostic report

Agoraphobia Back to top

You have received a negative Agoraphobia diagnosis because you have never experienced a time when you were very afraid of being crowds, going to public places, or traveling away from home.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Agoraphobia is excessive anxiety about being in at least two of the following situations:

• Being home alone
• Being in crowds
• Traveling away from home
• Traveling alone or being alone away from home
• Using public transportation
• Driving a car
• Standing in line in public places
• Being in department stores, shopping malls, or supermarkets
• Being in theaters, auditoriums, or churches
• Being in restaurants or other public places
• Being in wide, open streets or fields

The anxiety is rooted in the belief that escape may be difficult or embarrassing in the event of having an unexpected or situationally predisposed Panic Attack

The individual has recognized their fear of these situations is excessive or unreasonable

The anxiety is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment, as displayed by the presence of at least one of the following:

• The situations are endured with significant distress or with anxiety about having a Panic Attack
• The situations are avoided (e.g., travel is restricted)

The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of Agoraphobia and symptoms solely caused by or related to another mental disorder (e.g., Specific phobia, Social phobia, Separation anxiety disorder).

Statistics

• Agoraphobia affects approximately 1.8 million American adults, or about 0.8% of the population age 18 and older each year.
• The median age of onset of agoraphobia is 20 years of age.

Alcohol dependence Back to top

You have received a negative Alcohol dependence diagnosis because you have not displayed at least three maladaptive drinking behaviors, such as ignoring problems caused by your drinking, frequently drinking in larger amounts than you intended, or neglecting daily responsibilities because of your drinking.

DSM-IV checklist

A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the presence of at least three of the following:

• Tolerance, as defined by a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect (or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol)
• Withdrawal, as manifested by either physical withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of prolonged alcohol use, or by drinking alcohol to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
• Alcohol is often drunk in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use
• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol (e.g., driving long distances), use alcohol, or recover from its effects
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use
• Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol

At least three of the previously listed symptoms are present in the same 12 month period

Anorexia nervosa Back to top

You have received a negative Anorexia nervosa diagnosis because you have never had a time when you purposefully maintained an unhealthily low body weight.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Anorexia nervosa is the refusal to maintain a minimally healthy body weight (based on the individual's age and height).

In postmenarcheal females, the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles.

Weight loss is accomplished through reduction in total food intake, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise.

There is an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.

There is significant disturbance in the perception body shape or size, as indicated by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Feeling too heavy or that specific body parts are "too fat", despite low weight
• Undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation
• Denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight

Statistics

• Females are much more likely than males to develop Anorexia.
• Only about 5% to 15% of people with Anorexia are male.
• About 2% of females suffer from Anorexia in their lifetime.
• The mortality rate among people with anorexia has been estimated at 0.56% per year, or approximately 5.6% per decade, which is about 12 times higher than the annual death rate due to all causes of death among females ages 15-24 in the general population.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Back to top

You have received a negative Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis because you did not experience a time before the age of 7 when you were much more restless, impatient, forgetful, or easily distracted than most children.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity as displayed by the fulfillment of at least one of the following criteria:

• A persistent pattern of inattention, as displayed by the presence of at least six of the following symptoms, before the age of seven:
• Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
• Often forgetful in daily activities
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
• Often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework).
• Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
• A persistent pattern of hyperactivity, as displayed by the presence of at least six of the following symptoms, before the age of seven:
• Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
• Often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
• Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
• Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
• Often leaves seat in the classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
• Often talks excessively
• Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
• Often has difficulty awaiting turn.

There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in multiple settings, as displayed by the presence of at least two of the following:

• Impaired school functioning
• Impaired home functioning
• Impaired work functioning
• Impaired social life or personal relationships

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of ADHD and symptoms solely caused by or related to another mental health disorder (e.g., Mood disorder, Anxiety disorder, Psychotic disorder).

Statistics

• ADHD, one of the most common mental disorders in children and adolescents, also affects an estimated 4.1% of the population between ages 18 and 44 each year
• ADHD usually becomes evident in preschool or early elementary years.
• The median age of onset of ADHD is seven years, although the disorder can persist into adolescence and occasionally into adulthood.

Bipolar disorder Back to top

You have received negative diagnoses for both Bipolar disorders because you have never experienced a manic or hypomanic episode.

DSM-IV checklist

Bipolar I

• The presence of at least one Manic episode

Bipolar II

• The presence of at least one Major depressive episode
• The presence of at least one Hypomanic episode

Bipolar I disorder and Bipolar II disorder are mutually exclusive, meaning you cannot receive a positive diagnosis for both of these disorders.

DSM-IV checklist

• Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older each year.
• The median age of onset for bipolar disorders is 25 years.

Bulimia nervosa Back to top

You have received a negative Bulimia nervosa diagnosis because you have never experienced a time when frequently went on eating binges.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Bulimia nervosa is the presence of eating binges (i.e., discrete periods of time in which an individual eats amounts of food that are definitely larger than most individuals would eat under similar circumstances).

There is a perceived lack of control during eating binges (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)

Following binges, inappropriate compensatory behaviors are used in order to prevent weight gain, as indicated by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Fasting or "water diets"
• Misuse of diuretics, water pills, or other medications
• Self-induced vomiting
• Misuse of laxatives or enemas
• Excessive exercise

The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for three months.

Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight, as indicated by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Self-esteem or confidence are overly dependent on body weight or shape

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of Bulimia nervosa and symptoms that are solely caused by or related to Anorexia nervosa.

Statistics

• Females are much more likely than males to develop Bulimia.
• Only about 5% to 15% of people with Bulimia are male.
• About 2.5% of females suffer from Bulimia in their lifetime.

Cocaine dependence Back to top

You have received a negative Cocaine dependence diagnosis because you have never used cocaine.

DSM-IV checklist

A maladaptive pattern of cocaine use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the presence of at least three of the following:

• Tolerance, as defined by a need for markedly increased amounts of cocaine to achieve intoxication or desired effect (or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of cocaine)
• Withdrawal, as manifested by either physical withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of prolonged cocaine use, or by taking cocaine to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
• Cocaine is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control cocaine use
• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain cocaine (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use cocaine, or recover from its effects
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of cocaine use
• Cocaine use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by cocaine

At least three of the previously listed symptoms are present in the same 12 month period

Conduct disorder Back to top

You have received a negative Conduct disorder diagnosis because you did not experience a time during your childhood or teenage years when you frequently displayed several aggressive or inappropriate behaviors, such as stealing, vandalism, bullying, or starting physical fights.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential symptom of Conduct disorder is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated, as indicated by the presence of at least three of the following symptoms:

• Often lies to obtain goods or favors or to avoid obligations (i.e., "cons" others)
• Has stolen items of nontrivial value without confronting a victim (e.g., shoplifting, but without breaking and entering; forgery)
• Has broken into someone else's house, building, or car
• Has deliberately engaged in fire setting with the intention of causing serious damage
• Has deliberately destroyed others' property (other than by fire setting)
• Often stays out at night despite parental prohibitions, beginning before age 13 years
• Is often truant from school, beginning before age 13 years
• Has run away from home overnight at least twice while living in parental or parental surrogate home (or once without returning for a lengthy period)
• Often bullies, threatens, or intimidates others
• Often initiates physical fights
• Has used a weapon that can cause serious physical harm to others (e.g., a bat, brick, broken bottle, knife, gun)
• Has been physically cruel to animals
• Has been physically cruel to people
• Has stolen while confronting a victim (e.g., mugging, purse snatching, extortion, armed robbery)
• Has forced someone into sexual activity

The disturbance in behavior is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment, as indicated by the presence of at least one of the following:

• General functional impairment
• Negative behaviors have lead to job loss
• Negative behaviors have lead to arrest
• Negative behaviors have lead to placement in a correctional facility

Dysthymic disorder Back to top

You have received a negative Dysthymia diagnosis because you have never experienced an extended period of sadness, discouragement, or lack of interest.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of a Dysthymic disorder is a prolonged period of chronically depressed mood, as indicated by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful)
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others)

During the period of mood disturbance, at least two of the following symptoms have been present to a significant degree:

• Poor appetite or overeating
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Low energy or fatigue
• Low self-esteem
• Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness

The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment, as displayed by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Clinically significant emotional distress
• General functional impairment
• Impaired home management
• Impaired work functioning
• Impaired personal relationships
• Impaired social functioning
• Disturbance has constituted professional treatment

The mood disturbance must persist for a period of at least two years.

The mood disturbance must not be better accounted for by the use of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of Dysthymia and symptoms solely caused by or related to a chronic Psychotic disorder, such as Schizophrenia or Delusional disorder. In contrast with strict DSM-IV criteria, the occurrence of other mood episodes (e.g., Manic, Major depressive) does not preclude a positive Dysthymia diagnosis.

Statistics

• Dysthymic disorder affects approximately 1.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older each year (3.3 million American adults).
• The median age of onset of Dysthymic disorder is 31.

Pathological gambling Back to top

You have received a negative Pathological gambling diagnosis because you have never lost substantial sums of money gambling.

DSM-IV checklist

Gambling activities have lead to significant monetary losses

The essential symptom of Pathological gambling is a persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior as indicated by the presence of at least five of the following:

• Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
• Lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
• Is preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)
• Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
• Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)
• After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even ("chasing" one's losses)
• Has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling
• Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling
• Has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
• Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling

In contrast to strict DSM-IV criteria, the presence of a Manic episode does not preclude a positive Pathological gambling diagnosis.

Generalized anxiety disorder Back to top

You have received a negative Generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis because you have never experienced an extended period when you were much more worried, nervous, or anxious than other people with the same problems as you.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Generalized anxiety disorder is excessive anxiety about a number of daily events or activities, as displayed by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Prolonged feelings of apprehensive expectation (i.e., being a "worrier")
• Prolonged feelings of nervousness or anxiety

The person finds it difficult to control worry.

The anxiety and worry are associated with at least three of the following physical symptoms:

• Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
• Being easily fatigued
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance

The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms are sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment, as displayed by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Clinically significant emotional distress
• General functional impairment

The mood disturbance must persist for a period of at least 6 months.

The mood disturbance must not be better accounted for by the use of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication), or a general medical condition.

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of Generalized anxiety disorder and symptoms that are solely caused by or related to the features of another Axis I disorder, such as Major depressive disorder, Panic disorder, or Posttraumatic stress disorder.

Statistics

• Generalized anxiety disorder affects approximately 3.1 million American adults, or about 6.8% of the population age 18 and older each year.
• GAD can begin across the life cycle, though the median age of onset is 31 years old.

Intermittent explosive disorder Back to top

You have received a negative Intermittent explosive disorder diagnosis because you have never experienced a sudden anger attack when you lost control and broke something worth more than a few dollars, threatened someone, or hurt someone.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Intermittent explosive disorder is the presence of aggressive impulses that result in at least one following:

• Anger attacks that result in the destruction of property
• Anger attacks that result in serious assaultive acts
• Anger attacks that result in threats of assaultive acts

The individual has experience at least three separate anger attacks

The aggressive impulses are sufficiently strong that they cannot be controlled, despite concerted efforts to resist them

The degree of aggressiveness expressed during the anger attacks is grossly out of proportion to the provocation or precipitating psychosocial stressors

The aggressive episodes are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., head trauma, Alzheimer's disease).

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of IED and symptoms that are solely caused by or related to another mental disorder (e.g., Major depressive disorder).

Major depression Back to top

You have received a negative Major depressive disorder diagnosis because you have never experienced an extended period when you were much more sad, discouraged, or uninterested than usual.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Major depressive disorder is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently depressed mood, as displayed by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful)
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others)

During the period of mood disturbance, at least four of the following symptoms have been present to a significant degree:

• Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
• Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
• Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down)
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others)
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick)
• Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide

The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment, as displayed by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Clinically significant emotional distress
• General functional impairment
• Impaired home management
• Impaired work functioning
• Impaired personal relationships
• Impaired social functioning

The mood disturbance must persist for a period of 2 week or longer.

The mood disturbance must not be better accounted for by the use of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication), a general medical condition, or the natural bereavement process.

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between Major depressive and Mixed episodes.

Statistics

• Major Depressive Disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44
• Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7% of the U.S. population age 18 and older each year.
• While major depressive disorder can develop at any age, the median age at onset is 32
• Major depressive disorder is more prevalent in women than in men

Mania Back to top

You have received a negative Mania diagnosis because you have never experienced an extended period when you were much more excited, full of energy, or irritable than usual.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of a Manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, as displayed by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Excessive energy or excitement
• Excessive irritability

During the period of mood disturbance, at least four of the following symptoms have persisted and have been present to a significant degree:

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
• Decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep)
• Increased talkativeness or pressure to keep talking
• Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
• Distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli)
• Increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation
• Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)

The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment, as displayed by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Impaired overall functioning
• Impaired home management
• Impaired work functioning
• Impaired personal relationships
• Impaired social functioning
• Psychotic features are present
• Mood disturbance has constituted professional treatment

The mood disturbance must persist for a period of at least one week or constitute overnight hospitalization.

The mood disturbance is not be better accounted for by the use of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between Manic and Mixed episodes. Mindsite's distinction between Manic and Hypomanic episodes contrasts from the strict DSM-IV criteria.

Statistics

Manic and Hypomanic episodes are characteristic features of Bipolar disorder. See the Bipolar disorder sections for statistics pertaining to Mania and Hypomania.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder Back to top

You have received a negative Obsessive-compulsive disorder diagnosis because you have never had a time when you were frequently bothered by unpleasant thoughts or the need to carry out repeated behaviors.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Obsessive-compulsive disorder is the presence of at least one of the following:

• Obsessions, as indicated by the presence of at least one of the following intrusive thoughts:
• Persistent concerns about dirt, germs, or contamination
• Persistent concerns harming someone, or being responsible for things going wrong
• The persistent need to touch things, reorder things, or have things symmetrical
• Compulsions, as indicated by the persistent need to carry out at least one of the following repetitive behaviors:
• Washing, cleaning, or decontaminating
• Checking things like locks or stoves, or repeatedly making sure that no harm or injury was done to yourself or someone else
• Straightening, lining up, arranging, counting, or touching things, or doing things in an exactly defined order
• Saving things, to the point where you could not throw away things that you no longer needed or cared about

At some point during the course of the disorder, the person has recognized that the obsessions or compulsions are excessive or unreasonable.

The obsessions or compulsions cause marked distress, are time consuming (take more than 1 hour a day), or significantly interfere with the person's normal routine, occupational (or academic) functioning, or usual social activities or relationships.

The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of ADHD and symptoms solely caused by or related to another mental health disorder (e.g., an Eating disorder, Major depressive disorder).

Statistics

• OCD affects approximately 2.2 million American adults, or about 1.0% of the population age 18 and older each year.
• The first symptoms of OCD often begin during childhood or adolescence, however, the median age of onset is 19.

Opioid dependence Back to top

You have received a negative Opioid dependence diagnosis because you have never used opioids, such as pain killers, heroin, or opium.

DSM-IV checklist

A maladaptive pattern of opioid use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the presence of at least three of the following:

• Tolerance, as defined by a need for markedly increased amounts of opioids to achieve intoxication or desired effect (or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of opioids)
• Withdrawal, as manifested by either physical withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of prolonged opioid use, or by taking an opioid to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
• Opioids are often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use
• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain opioids (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use opioids, or recover from their effects
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of opioid use
• Opioid use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by opioids

At least three of the previously listed symptoms are present in the same 12 month period

Oppositional defiant disorder Back to top

You have received a negative Oppositional defiant disorder diagnosis because you did not experience a time during your childhood or adolescence when you frequently displayed several defiant behaviors, such as arguing with adults, frequently losing your temper, or blaming others for your mistakes.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential symptom of Oppositional defiant disorder is a pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior, as indicated by the presence of at least four of the following

• Often loses temper
• Often argues with adults
• Often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules
• Is often angry and resentful
• Often deliberately annoys people
• Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
• Is often spiteful or vindictive
• Is often touchy or easily annoyed by others

The disturbance in behavior is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment, as indicated by the presence of at least one of the following:

• General functional impairment
• Impaired home management
• Impaired work functioning
• Impaired personal relationships
• Impaired social functioning
• Fears have constituted professional treatment

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of Oppositional defiant disorder and symptoms solely caused by or related to another mental disorder (e.g., Major depressive disorder, Conduct disorder, Antisocial personality disorder)

Panic disorder Back to top

You have received a negative Panic disorder diagnosis because you have never experienced a sudden attack of fear or panic.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Panic disorder is the occurrence of one or more Panic attacks, as displayed by the presence of at least one of the following:

• Sudden and discrete attacks of fear
• Sudden and discrete attacks of physical discomfort

The fear or discomfort must be accompanied by the abrupt development and peak of at least four of the following symptoms:

• Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
• Sensation of shortness of breath or smothering.
• Nausea or abdominal distress.
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint.
• Sweating.
• Trembling or shaking.
• Feeling of choking.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Fear of losing control or going crazy.
• Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself).
• Fear of dying.
• Chills or hot flushes.
• Paresthesias (numbing or tingling sensations).

At least four attacks have occurred unexpectedly or "out of the blue".

The Panic attacks are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.

One or more of the attacks has been followed by at least one of the following:

• Persistent concern about having additional attacks
• Worry about the implications of the attacks or their consequences (e.g., losing control, having a heart attack, "going crazy")
• Significant change in behavior related to the attacks

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between Panic attacks accounted for by Panic disorder and Panic attacks solely caused by or related to another mental health disorder.

Statistics

• Panic disorder affects approximately 6 million American adults, or about 2.7% of the U.S. population age 18 and older each year.
• Panic disorder typically develops in early adulthood (median age of onset is 24), but the age of onset extends throughout adulthood.
• About one in three people with Panic disorder develops Agoraphobia.

Posttraumatic stress disorder Back to top

You have received a negative Posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis because you have not experienced or witnessed a traumatic event that invoked feelings of intense fear, helplessness, or horror.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Posttraumatic stress disorder is exposure to a traumatic event or experience that invoked at least one of the following:

• Intense fear or terror
• Helplessness
• Shock or horror
• Numbness

The traumatic event results in persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness (not present before the trauma), as indicated by the presence of at least three of the following:

• Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the trauma
• Efforts to avoid activities, places, or people that arouse recollections of the trauma
• Inability to recall an important aspect of the trauma
• Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities
• Feeling of detachment or estrangement from others
• Restricted range of affect (e.g., unable to have loving feelings)
• Sense of a foreshortened future (e.g., does not expect to have a career, marriage, children, or a normal life span)

Symptoms of avoidance or apathy occur frequently for a period of longer than one month.

The traumatic event is persistently re-experienced in at least one of the following ways:

• Recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the event, including images, thoughts, or perceptions.
• Recurrent distressing dreams of the event.
• Acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring (includes a sense of reliving the experience, illusions, hallucinations, and dissociative flashback episodes, including those that occur on awakening or when intoxicated).
• Intense psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event
• Physiological reactivity on exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event

Re-experiential symptoms occur frequently for a period of longer than one month.

The traumatic event results in persistent symptoms of increased arousal (not present before the trauma), as indicated by at least two of the following:

• Difficulty staying or falling asleep
• Irritability or outbursts of anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hypervigilance
• Exaggerated startle response

Symptoms of increased arousal occur frequently for a period of longer than one month.

The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Statistics

• PTSD affects approximately 7.7 million American adults, or about 3.5% of the population age 18 and older each year.
• PTSD can develop at any age, including childhood, but research shows that the median age of onset is 23 years.
• About 19% of Vietnam veterans experienced PTSD at some point after the war.
• The disorder also frequently occurs after violent personal assaults such as rape, mugging, or domestic violence; terrorism; natural or human-caused disasters; and accidents.

Sedative dependence Back to top

You have received a negative Sedative dependence diagnosis because you have never used sedatives, such as valium, rohpynol, or diazepam.

DSM-IV checklist

A maladaptive pattern of sedative use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the presence of at least three of the following:

• Tolerance, as defined by a need for markedly increased amounts of sedatives to achieve intoxication or desired effect (or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of sedatives)
• Withdrawal, as manifested by either physical withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of prolonged sedative use, or by taking a sedative to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
• Sedatives are often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control sedative use
• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain sedatives (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use sedatives, or recover from its effects
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of sedative use
• Sedative use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by sedatives

At least three of the previously listed symptoms are present in the same 12 month period

Separation anxiety disorder Back to top

You have received a negative Separation anxiety disorder diagnosis because, after the age of five, you did not experience a time when you frequently showed three or more symptoms of separation anxiety, such as nightmares about separation or being unable to leave the house without the person with whom you were closest to emotionally.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Separation anxiety disorder is developmentally inappropriate and excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached, as indicated by the presence of at least three of the following symptoms:

• Recurrent excessive distress when separation from home or major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated
• Persistent and excessive worry about losing, or about possible harm befalling, major attachment figures
• Persistent and excessive worry that an untoward event will lead to separation from a major attachment figure (e.g., getting lost or being kidnapped)
• Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to school or elsewhere because of fear of separation
• Persistently and excessively fearful or reluctant to be alone or without major attachment figures at home or without significant adults in other settings
• Repeated complaints of physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or vomiting) when separation from major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated
• Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being near a major attachment figure or to sleep away from home
• Repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation

The duration of the disturbance is at least four weeks

The onset is before the age of eighteen

The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic (occupational), or other important areas of functioning.

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of Separation anxiety disorder and symptoms solely caused by or related to another mental disorder (e.g., Panic disorder, Psychotic disorders, Pervasive developmental disorders).

Social phobia Back to top

You have received a negative Social phobia diagnosis because you have not experienced a time when you were very afraid of social or performance situations, such as meeting new people, speaking in front of a group, or talking to people of authority.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Social phobia is a marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations, as indicated by intense fear of at least 1 of the following situations:

• Meting new people
• Talking to people of authority
• Speaking up in meetings or classrooms
• Going to parties or social gatherings
• Acting, performing, or giving a talk in front of an audience
• Taking an important exam or interviewing for a job
• Working while someone watches
• Entering a room when others are already present
• Talking with strangers
• Expressing disagreement with strangers
• Writing or eating or drinking while someone watches
• Using restrooms away from home
• Dating situations

The individual fears that he or she will act in a way that will be humiliating or embarrassing

The individual recognizes that their fear is excessive or unreasonable.

Exposure to feared situations almost invariably provokes anxiety

The fear is not related to another mental disorder or a general medical condition (e.g., the fear is not of Stuttering, trembling in Parkinson’s disease, or exhibiting abnormal eating behavior in Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa)

The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situations is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment, indicated by the presence of at least 1 of the following

• General functional impairment
• Impaired home management
• Impaired work functioning
• Impaired personal relationships
• Impaired social functioning
• Fears have constituted professional treatment

In individuals under age 18 years, the fears have persisted for at least 6 months

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of Social phobia and symptoms solely caused by or related to another mental disorder (e.g., Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or Schizoid Personality Disorder).

Statistics

• Social phobia affects approximately 15 million American adults, or about 6.8% of the population age 18 and older each year.
• Social phobia begins in childhood or adolescence, typically around 13 years of age.

Specific phobia Back to top

You have received a negative Specific phobia diagnosis because you have never experienced a time when you very afraid of a specific object, place, or situation.

DSM-IV checklist

The essential feature of Specific phobia is an excessive and persistent fear of at least one of the following objects or situations:

• Animals
• Still water or weather events
• Closed spaces
• High places
• Flying
• Blood, injury, injections, or medical settings

The individual recognizes that their fear is excessive or unreasonable.

The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment, indicated by the presence of at least one of the following

• Clinically significant emotional distress
• General functional impairment
• Impaired home management
• Impaired work functioning
• Impaired personal relationships
• Impaired social functioning
• Fears have constituted professional treatment

In individuals under age eighteen years, the fears have persisted for at least six months

Mindsite does not support differential diagnosis between symptoms of Specific phobia and symptoms solely caused by or related to another mental disorder (e.g., Posttraumatic stress disorder, Separation anxiety disorder, Social phobia).

Statistics

• Specific phobia affects approximately 19.2 million American adults, or about 8.7% of the population age 18 and older each year.
• Specific phobia typically begins in childhood; the median age of onset is seven years.

Stimulant dependence Back to top

You have received a negative Stimulant dependence diagnosis because you have never used stimulants, such as methamphetamine, adderall, or Ritalin.

DSM-IV checklist

A maladaptive pattern of stimulant use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the presence of at least three of the following:

• Tolerance, as defined by a need for markedly increased amounts of stimulants to achieve intoxication or desired effect (or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of stimulants)
• Withdrawal, as manifested by either physical withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of prolonged stimulant use, or by taking a stimulant to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
• Stimulants are often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control stimulant use
• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain stimulants (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use stimulants, or recover from its effects
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of stimulant use
• Stimulant use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by stimulants

At least three of the previously listed symptoms are present in the same 12 month period