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Research Article Open Access
Volume 4 | Issue 1 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.33696/mentalhealth.4.019

Understanding Anxiety

  • 1Western Seminary, San Jose, CA 95120, USA
  • 2Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA
  • 3National University, USA
  • 4Rutgers University, NJ, USA
+ Affiliations - Affiliations

Corresponding Author

Matthew Rensi, mrensi@westernseminary.edu

Received Date: February 23, 2024

Accepted Date: March 22, 2024

Abstract

This study is the first of its kind to diachronically analyze how the use of language surrounding anxiety has changed in each version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Using corpus linguistic technology, the collocations of the word “anxiety” were analyzed and ranked using log dice to determine the strength of associations both within and across each version of this clinical guide. The results demonstrate that collocations among anxiety are changing with each published manual. In addition, specific diagnoses (i.e., generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and panic disorder) are in flux over time. Lastly, the interpersonal language associated with anxiety is changing, leading to implications for both researchers and clinicians in the field of mental health.

Keywords

DSM, Anxiety, Corpus linguistics, Collocates

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