ABSTRACT
In spite of attempts in the recent DSM-III to elucidate the classification of anxiety disorders, the area remains controversial (Tyrer, 1984). In my own clinical practice, particular problems are presented by “panic disorder” and “generalized anxiety disorder.” I very rarely see patients who fit neatly into these DSM-III categories. However, I do see many patients who show a variety of features that are listed in both categories and who also describe symptoms listed in a third DSM-III category, “somatoform disorder,” which is not classified as an anxiety disorder. Such patients often also complain of symptoms compatible with a DSM-III diagnosis of “agoraphobia.” Since their agoraphobic symptoms are generally the most troublesome or obvious ones, these patients are commonly diagnosed as agoraphobic.
