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Glossary: A

Definitions of commonly used terms relating to Social Anxiety Disorder. On this page you will find definitions for words beginning with the letter "A".

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | XYZ

Attention Retraining

Attention retraining is used in treating social anxiety disorder to change automatic attention biases towards negative feedback.

ADAA

ADAA is the Anxiety Disorders Association of America

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary activities in the body such as the functioning of the heart.

Anorexia

Anorexia refers to loss of appetite.

Asthenia

Asthenia refers to a lack of strength.

Aphasia Voluntaria

Aphasia voluntaria was an early term for selective mutism.

Avoidance Behaviors

Avoidance behaviors are methods of avoiding anxiety-inducing situations.

Anxiolytic

Anxiolytics are medications used in the treatment of anxiety.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality disorder is similar to social anxiety disorder, usually involving more impairment in functioning and issues with trust.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a fear of being in public places.

ataxia

Ataxia is the loss of control over muscle movement.

Assertive Communication

Assertive communication is a proactive method of expressing feelings and desires.

Aggressive Communication

Aggressive communication is a method of expressing needs and wants that do not take in to account the feelings of others.

Ativan

Ativan is a benzodiazepine used in treating anxiety disorders and short-term anxiety.

Anxiety Hierarchies

Anxiety hierarchies are ordered lists of anxiety-producing situations.

Amygdala

The amydala are a pair of brain structures involved in memory and emotional processing.

Adrenaline

Adrenaline is a hormone released as part of the fight-or-flight response.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy is a form of treatment based on Buddhist principles and behavioral therapy.

Anticipatory Anxiety

Anticipatory anxiety is anxiety that is experienced during a period of hours to weeks before a feared event.

Anxiety

Anxiety is the experience of a combination of physical and emotional symptoms in response to a perceived threat.

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