Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Anxiety disorders detrimentally affect individuals’ quality of life, often manifesting in physical symptoms such as palpitations and muscle tension. PMHNPs play a vital role in early detection and culturally sensitive treatment, considering individual variations in symptom presentation. Effective management typically involves a multifaceted approach combining pharmacotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and alternative treatments like mindfulness-based therapies. This chapter provides an overview of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias, as well as OCD, exploring diagnostic criteria, pharmacological interventions, side effects, and therapeutic strategies.