ABSTRACT
This chapter presents theoretical models of the pathological anxiety, brief descriptions of each anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive and related disorder (OCRD), and an introduction to the evidence-based assessments and treatments for these disorders. Cognitive theories of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) posit that distress-inducing stimuli are accompanied by automatic thoughts and images that persons with these disorders interpret as meaningful or important. Research on social systems and other environmental factors that occur across individuals are also important for understanding how learning occurs in anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. Obsessions are repetitive, intrusive thoughts, doubts, ideas, or images that cause significant anxiety or distress. Self-report measures for the anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders include validated questionnaires that assess specific anxiety symptoms. Diagnostic interviews are an important tool for detecting the presence of an anxiety disorder or OCRD and for determining clinical severity.
