Questions and Answers
What is anxiety?
Apprehension about a future threat
Which of the following are types of anxiety disorders? (Select all that apply)
Define phobia.
Disruptive fear of a particular object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual threat.
What is specific phobia?
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What is social phobia?
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What characterizes panic disorder?
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What is a panic attack?
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What are uncued attacks?
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What defines generalized anxiety disorder?
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What are common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?
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Define OCD-obsessions.
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What are OCD-compulsions?
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What is PTSD?
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What are the categories of symptoms for PTSD?
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What is acute stress disorder?
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What does comorbidity mean in the context of anxiety disorders?
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Name a risk factor for developing anxiety disorders.
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What are anxiolytics?
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Which of the following medications may be used to treat anxiety? (Select all that apply)
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Study Notes
Anxiety Disorders Overview
- Anxiety is characterized by apprehension regarding future threats.
- Includes a variety of anxiety disorders such as specific phobias, social phobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Phobia Types
- Phobia entails disruptive fear of particular objects or situations, with fear often disproportionate to actual threats and causing significant distress.
- Specific phobias involve excessive fear of specific items or scenarios (e.g., snakes, blood) leading to avoidance or intense anxiety.
- Social phobia refers to a debilitating fear of social interactions due to fear of negative evaluation, often starting in adolescence.
Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks
- Panic disorder is marked by recurrent panic attacks that are not linked to specific triggers.
- Panic attacks feature sudden terror, with peak symptoms occurring within 10 minutes alongside physical manifestations such as sweating and difficulty breathing.
- Uncued attacks occur unexpectedly; cued attacks are triggered by specific situations.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- GAD involves chronic, uncontrollable worry persisting for at least six months, interfering with daily activities.
- Common symptoms include restlessness, sleep disturbances, irritability, and muscle tension.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- OCD is defined by intrusive, uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors intended to relieve anxiety (compulsions).
- Common compulsions include washing, checking, and repeating actions.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- PTSD results from exposure to traumatic events and includes re-experiencing, avoidance of related stimuli, and increased arousal.
- Symptoms manifest as nightmares, emotional numbing, and hypervigilance.
Acute Stress Disorder
- Similar to PTSD, with symptoms occurring between 2 days and 1 month post-trauma.
Comorbidity and Related Disorders
- Anxiety disorders frequently co-occur with other disorders; approximately 60% of affected individuals also experience major depression.
- Other associated conditions include substance abuse and specific personality disorders.
Gender and Sociocultural Influences
- Women are twice as likely as men to experience anxiety disorders, attributed to factors like increased reporting, higher rates of childhood trauma, and biological stress responses.
Risk Factors
- Genetics contribute significantly to anxiety disorders; heritability rates are 20-50%.
- Neurobiological aspects include fear circuit overactivity in the amygdala and deficiencies in the medial prefrontal cortex. Key neurotransmitters involved are serotonin, GABA, and norepinephrine.
Psychological Assessment and Treatment
- Effective assessment involves confronting the anxiety trigger in various settings.
- Systematic desensitization comprises relaxation techniques coupled with exposure to feared stimuli.
Treatment Modalities
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is beneficial across various anxiety disorders and enhances treatment for social phobia.
- Treatment approaches for GAD include relaxation training and CBT, while OCD often involves exposure paired with ritual prevention.
- PTSD is treated via direct exposure to traumatic memories and cognitive therapy.
Pharmacological Options
- Anxiolytics are drugs aimed at anxiety reduction, including benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax) and antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclics.
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Description
Test your knowledge on anxiety and its disorders with this flashcard quiz. You'll encounter key terms such as anxiety, phobias, and various anxiety disorders. Perfect for students of Abnormal Psychology preparing for exams.