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Questions and Answers
What is a defining characteristic of a psychological disorder?
What is a defining characteristic of a psychological disorder?
What does DSM-5 primarily provide for psychological disorders?
What does DSM-5 primarily provide for psychological disorders?
Which of the following is NOT included in the definition of a psychological disorder?
Which of the following is NOT included in the definition of a psychological disorder?
The DSM-5 is published by which of the following organizations?
The DSM-5 is published by which of the following organizations?
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Which aspect does the DSM-5 NOT address regarding psychological disorders?
Which aspect does the DSM-5 NOT address regarding psychological disorders?
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What is a key distinction between pathological anxiety and normal anxiety?
What is a key distinction between pathological anxiety and normal anxiety?
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Which of the following characteristics is most associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Which of the following characteristics is most associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
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Which emotional response does anxiety primarily prepare the body for?
Which emotional response does anxiety primarily prepare the body for?
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What primary feature distinguishes panic disorder from generalized anxiety disorder?
What primary feature distinguishes panic disorder from generalized anxiety disorder?
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What effect does pathological anxiety have on a person's daily functions?
What effect does pathological anxiety have on a person's daily functions?
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What is the primary symptom of anxiety disorders?
What is the primary symptom of anxiety disorders?
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Which of the following best describes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Which of the following best describes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
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What emotional state is primarily associated with anxiety?
What emotional state is primarily associated with anxiety?
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How can anxiety disorders affect a person's functioning?
How can anxiety disorders affect a person's functioning?
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Which statement accurately defines anxiety?
Which statement accurately defines anxiety?
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What aspect of behavior does psychopathology primarily study?
What aspect of behavior does psychopathology primarily study?
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How is the difference between normal and abnormal behavior described?
How is the difference between normal and abnormal behavior described?
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Which of the following factors can influence the classification of behaviors as normal or abnormal?
Which of the following factors can influence the classification of behaviors as normal or abnormal?
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What stereotype is commonly associated with the portrayal of individuals with mental illness in media?
What stereotype is commonly associated with the portrayal of individuals with mental illness in media?
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What correlation has been researched regarding severe mental disorders?
What correlation has been researched regarding severe mental disorders?
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What does repeated behavior, such as checking a door lock numerous times, exemplify?
What does repeated behavior, such as checking a door lock numerous times, exemplify?
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What statement is correct regarding individuals without symptoms of severe mental disorders?
What statement is correct regarding individuals without symptoms of severe mental disorders?
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What characterizes a phobia?
What characterizes a phobia?
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Which of the following could be considered a phobia?
Which of the following could be considered a phobia?
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Which term refers to the fear associated with a phobia?
Which term refers to the fear associated with a phobia?
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Which scenario best illustrates a phobia?
Which scenario best illustrates a phobia?
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Phobias can develop from which of the following?
Phobias can develop from which of the following?
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What differentiates phobia from other types of fears?
What differentiates phobia from other types of fears?
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The term 'irrational' in the context of phobias implies what?
The term 'irrational' in the context of phobias implies what?
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Which of the following best describes a specific object in the context of a phobia?
Which of the following best describes a specific object in the context of a phobia?
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Which of these statements is true regarding phobias?
Which of these statements is true regarding phobias?
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What distinguishes a panic attack from generalized anxiety disorder?
What distinguishes a panic attack from generalized anxiety disorder?
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What is a common symptom during a panic attack?
What is a common symptom during a panic attack?
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What typically happens to the intensity of panic attack symptoms over time?
What typically happens to the intensity of panic attack symptoms over time?
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What is the significance of experiencing panic attacks frequently and unexpectedly?
What is the significance of experiencing panic attacks frequently and unexpectedly?
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What might trigger a panic attack following stressful events?
What might trigger a panic attack following stressful events?
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What condition may develop in some individuals with panic disorder?
What condition may develop in some individuals with panic disorder?
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In what scenarios do individuals with agoraphobia often feel anxious?
In what scenarios do individuals with agoraphobia often feel anxious?
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Why might an individual seek emergency treatment during a panic attack?
Why might an individual seek emergency treatment during a panic attack?
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How does the frequency of panic attacks vary among individuals with panic disorder?
How does the frequency of panic attacks vary among individuals with panic disorder?
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Study Notes
Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Anxiety is an unpleasant emotional state characterized by physical arousal and feelings of tension, apprehension, and worry.
- Anxiety disorders are a category of psychological disorders in which extreme anxiety is the primary symptom and significantly disrupts a person's cognitive, behavioral, or interpersonal functioning.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder marked by excessive, pervasive, and persistent anxiety. It is also known as free-floating anxiety.
Pathological Anxiety
- Pathological anxiety differs from normal anxiety in three key ways:
- Irrational: The anxiety is provoked by perceived threats that are exaggerated or nonexistent, and the anxiety response is disproportionately large compared to the situation's importance.
- Uncontrollable: The person cannot shut off the anxiety reaction, even when recognizing it's unrealistic.
- Disruptive: It interferes with personal relationships, job performance, and everyday activities.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- GAD is characterized by global, persistent, chronic, and excessive apprehension.
- People with GAD are constantly worrying about anything and everything, and this excessive worry is the main feature of this disorder.
- GAD is common and has been studied across cultures, although symptoms may differ across groups.
- Evidence suggests that women experience this disorder more frequently than men.
Panic Attacks and Panic Disorders
- Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense anxiety that quickly escalate.
- Common symptoms include a pounding heart, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and a choking sensation.
- Simultaneously, feelings of terror and a belief of imminent death, madness, or loss of control accompany these physical sensations.
- A panic attack typically peaks within 10 minutes and subsides gradually.
- Panic disorder is diagnosed when panic attacks occur frequently and unexpectedly.
Agoraphobia
- Some individuals with panic disorder develop agoraphobia, a fear of situations where a panic attack might occur and escape is difficult or impossible.
- This fear can manifest in situations like public places, where help might not be readily available, or places from which getting lost or becoming incapacitated could be a concern (e.g., public transportation, crowded spaces).
Phobias
- A phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.
- Specific phobia is an excessive, intense, and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that is actively avoided or endured with marked anxiety.
Social Anxiety Disorder
- Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common psychological disorders, more prevalent among women than men.
- It extends beyond typical shyness, instead paralyzing the individual with fear of social situations where they might be judged.
- Examples include eating in public, small talk at parties, or using public restrooms.
- The core of social anxiety disorder is an irrational fear of being critically evaluated by others.
- While some individuals with social anxiety disorder recognize their fear is excessive, they often approach social situations with significant dread and anxiety.
- In severe cases, panic attacks can occur.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder triggered by exposure to a highly traumatic event.
- It results in:
- Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive memories of the event
- Avoidance of stimuli and situations associated with the event
- Negative changes in thoughts, moods, and emotions
- A persistent state of heightened physical arousal
PTSD Among U.S. Veterans
- A significant number of U.S. veterans have experienced PTSD.
- The high rates of PTSD and suicide may be related to unique aspects of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
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Description
This quiz explores the concepts of anxiety and anxiety disorders, including the characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and the differences between normal and pathological anxiety. Test your knowledge about the symptoms and effects of these psychological conditions.
