In the fourth and final episode of our “Art of Psychiatry” series, we will discuss anxiety disorders. We’ll start by discussing the  purpose of anxiety, why it is often a normal reaction to stressful circumstances, and what it looks like when anxiety becomes more maladaptive and functionally impairing. We’ll provide an overview of common anxiety disorders, disclose a few tips on how to interact with patients with anxiety disorders, and discuss how to how to conceptualize anxiety when you are conducting an interview. As usual, we’ll feature some of our favorite songs and writings about anxiety to help you better understand the disease from a patient’s perspective.

Photo Credit: ahgottt, “CIMG 020,” Flickr

Episode Music Credits: Javier Suárez, Tumbling Dishes, Better With Music

Green Day, “Basket Case,” Dookie