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Ideational Components of Anxiety: Their Origin and Content

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

G.A. Hibbert*
Affiliation:
The University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford

Summary

Twenty-five out-patients with generalised anxiety or panic disorders were interviewed. A characteristic ideational component was identified, centering on the theme of personal danger and, in particular, on physical harm. A range of features of the ideational content is described. In the 12 months preceding onset 88 per cent of the patients had experienced significant stresses. For 50 per cent the onset of panic attacks was precipitated by somatic symptoms other than those of anxiety. The relationship between ideational content, stress and somatic symptoms is discussed.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1984 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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