Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is anxiety?
What is anxiety?
Apprehension about a future threat.
What is fear?
What is fear?
Response to an immediate threat.
Both anxiety and fear involve physiological arousal.
Both anxiety and fear involve physiological arousal.
True (A)
What is the adaptive function of fear?
What is the adaptive function of fear?
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What is the adaptive function of anxiety?
What is the adaptive function of anxiety?
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The Yerkes-Dodson Curve describes how anxiety affects performance in a:
The Yerkes-Dodson Curve describes how anxiety affects performance in a:
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What is the effect of low anxiety on performance?
What is the effect of low anxiety on performance?
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What is the effect of moderate anxiety on performance?
What is the effect of moderate anxiety on performance?
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What are the five main types of anxiety disorders in the DSM-5?
What are the five main types of anxiety disorders in the DSM-5?
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Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders.
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders.
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Phobias are the most common type of anxiety disorder.
Phobias are the most common type of anxiety disorder.
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What is the minimum duration required for symptoms to be considered a diagnosable anxiety disorder, except for panic disorder?
What is the minimum duration required for symptoms to be considered a diagnosable anxiety disorder, except for panic disorder?
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Panic disorder symptoms can be persistent for as little as one month.
Panic disorder symptoms can be persistent for as little as one month.
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The length of time symptoms must persist for to be considered a diagnosable anxiety disorder, is different for each type of anxiety disorder.
The length of time symptoms must persist for to be considered a diagnosable anxiety disorder, is different for each type of anxiety disorder.
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Which of the following phobias is NOT listed as an example of Specific Phobia?
Which of the following phobias is NOT listed as an example of Specific Phobia?
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Which of the following is a possible explanation for the higher prevalence of anxiety disorders in women?
Which of the following is a possible explanation for the higher prevalence of anxiety disorders in women?
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The ratio of somatic to psychological symptoms in anxiety disorders varies across cultures.
The ratio of somatic to psychological symptoms in anxiety disorders varies across cultures.
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Which of the following is NOT a factor that may increase the risk for more than one anxiety disorder?
Which of the following is NOT a factor that may increase the risk for more than one anxiety disorder?
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Neuroticism and behavioral inhibition are considered personality factors that may increase the risk for generalized anxiety disorder.
Neuroticism and behavioral inhibition are considered personality factors that may increase the risk for generalized anxiety disorder.
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The more negative beliefs a person has, the lower the risk of anxiety disorders.
The more negative beliefs a person has, the lower the risk of anxiety disorders.
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A family history of anxiety disorders significantly increases the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
A family history of anxiety disorders significantly increases the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
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What is a possible cause of panic disorder according to the text?
What is a possible cause of panic disorder according to the text?
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Exposure therapy for anxiety disorders is generally considered less effective than traditional medication.
Exposure therapy for anxiety disorders is generally considered less effective than traditional medication.
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is often used as a treatment for Panic Disorder.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is often used as a treatment for Panic Disorder.
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Benzodiazepines, a type of anxiolytic medication, are known for having no risk of dependency and side effects.
Benzodiazepines, a type of anxiolytic medication, are known for having no risk of dependency and side effects.
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Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders despite often causing side effects.
Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders despite often causing side effects.
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D-Cycloserine (DCS) is a medication that can improve the effectiveness of exposure therapy.
D-Cycloserine (DCS) is a medication that can improve the effectiveness of exposure therapy.
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A person with Agoraphobia may experience panic attacks but it is not a requirement for diagnosis.
A person with Agoraphobia may experience panic attacks but it is not a requirement for diagnosis.
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A person with a phobia may have cued panic attacks, but that doesn't automatically make them a suitable candidate for a Panic Disorder diagnosis.
A person with a phobia may have cued panic attacks, but that doesn't automatically make them a suitable candidate for a Panic Disorder diagnosis.
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Both panic attacks and anxiety disorders are considered relatively uncommon mental health conditions.
Both panic attacks and anxiety disorders are considered relatively uncommon mental health conditions.
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Which of the following is NOT a symptom of GAD?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of GAD?
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The Fear-of-Fear Hypothesis suggests that the fear of having a panic attack in public is a crucial factor contributing to Agoraphobia.
The Fear-of-Fear Hypothesis suggests that the fear of having a panic attack in public is a crucial factor contributing to Agoraphobia.
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GAD is primarily caused by a lack of serotonin in the brain.
GAD is primarily caused by a lack of serotonin in the brain.
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The Fear Circuit is a specific area of the brain associated with avoidance behaviors.
The Fear Circuit is a specific area of the brain associated with avoidance behaviors.
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a person with Neuroticism?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a person with Neuroticism?
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What is NOT a common domain for worry in people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
What is NOT a common domain for worry in people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
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A person with GAD can find it difficult to control their worry but still manage to function effectively in their daily life.
A person with GAD can find it difficult to control their worry but still manage to function effectively in their daily life.
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Systematic Desensitization is a treatment method that involves gradually exposing the patient to the feared stimulus while teaching them relaxation techniques.
Systematic Desensitization is a treatment method that involves gradually exposing the patient to the feared stimulus while teaching them relaxation techniques.
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In Vivo Exposure is a type of exposure therapy that takes place in a controlled environment.
In Vivo Exposure is a type of exposure therapy that takes place in a controlled environment.
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Panic Control Therapy is a type of therapy used to treat Agoraphobia.
Panic Control Therapy is a type of therapy used to treat Agoraphobia.
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Clark's (2003) research suggested that cognitive therapy for social anxiety disorder is more effective than medication.
Clark's (2003) research suggested that cognitive therapy for social anxiety disorder is more effective than medication.
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The use of relaxation techniques is often considered key for the treatment of GAD.
The use of relaxation techniques is often considered key for the treatment of GAD.
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If a person has had at least four panic attacks in the past month, this is a definite indication of a panic disorder.
If a person has had at least four panic attacks in the past month, this is a definite indication of a panic disorder.
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Avoidance behaviors are often used as a coping mechanism for individuals with phobias.
Avoidance behaviors are often used as a coping mechanism for individuals with phobias.
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The main purpose of Panic Control Therapy (PCT) is to help patients identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about panic attacks.
The main purpose of Panic Control Therapy (PCT) is to help patients identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about panic attacks.
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Individuals with GAD often find themselves constantly worrying about things that may be catastrophic or unlikely to happen.
Individuals with GAD often find themselves constantly worrying about things that may be catastrophic or unlikely to happen.
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The Worry as a Distraction model suggests that worry can actually be a defense mechanism against more intense underlying emotions.
The Worry as a Distraction model suggests that worry can actually be a defense mechanism against more intense underlying emotions.
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What is the main difference between anxiety and fear?
What is the main difference between anxiety and fear?
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According to the Yerkes-Dodson Curve, what level of anxiety typically results in optimal performance?
According to the Yerkes-Dodson Curve, what level of anxiety typically results in optimal performance?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of specific phobias?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of specific phobias?
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What is the primary symptom of Panic Disorder?
What is the primary symptom of Panic Disorder?
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Which of the following is a common worry domain for individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Which of the following is a common worry domain for individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
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Women are more likely to experience childhood sexual abuse than men.
Women are more likely to experience childhood sexual abuse than men.
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What is the main cultural factor that influences the expression of anxieties and fears?
What is the main cultural factor that influences the expression of anxieties and fears?
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Which of the following factors may increase the risk for more than one anxiety disorder?
Which of the following factors may increase the risk for more than one anxiety disorder?
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Which of the following is a psychological treatment commonly used for anxiety disorders?
Which of the following is a psychological treatment commonly used for anxiety disorders?
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In Vivo Exposure is more effective than imaginal exposure in treating phobias.
In Vivo Exposure is more effective than imaginal exposure in treating phobias.
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What is the primary goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
What is the primary goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
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Which class of medication is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders but carries a risk of dependence and side effects?
Which class of medication is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders but carries a risk of dependence and side effects?
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D-Cycloserine (DCS) can enhance learning during exposure therapy.
D-Cycloserine (DCS) can enhance learning during exposure therapy.
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What is the Fear-of-Fear Hypothesis and how does it explain the development of agoraphobia?
What is the Fear-of-Fear Hypothesis and how does it explain the development of agoraphobia?
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According to Borkovec's Cognitive Model, how does worry contribute to the maintenance of GAD?
According to Borkovec's Cognitive Model, how does worry contribute to the maintenance of GAD?
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Heritability for Panic Disorder is estimated to be around 50%.
Heritability for Panic Disorder is estimated to be around 50%.
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Neuroticism, characterized by frequent negative affect, doubles the risk of anxiety disorders.
Neuroticism, characterized by frequent negative affect, doubles the risk of anxiety disorders.
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Describe the impact of childhood trauma on anxiety development.
Describe the impact of childhood trauma on anxiety development.
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Attention bias, a cognitive factor, refers to a heightened focus on negative or threatening cues.
Attention bias, a cognitive factor, refers to a heightened focus on negative or threatening cues.
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Study Notes
Anxiety Disorders Overview
- Anxiety is apprehension about a future threat.
- Fear is a response to an immediate threat.
- Both involve physiological arousal (sympathetic nervous system).
- Both have adaptive functions; fear triggers fight or flight, anxiety increases preparedness.
- The Yerkes-Dodson Curve (1908) illustrates the relationship between anxiety and performance.
Yerkes-Dodson Curve
- A "U-shaped" curve.
- Low anxiety: poor performance due to lack of focus and motivation.
- Moderate anxiety: optimal performance because the individual is alert, engaged, and ready to respond.
- High anxiety: poor performance due to excessive arousal impairing concentration and decision-making.
DSM-5 Anxiety Disorders
- Specific phobias
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Phobias are the most common psychiatric disorders.
- 28% of people report anxiety symptoms.
Phobias
- Disruptive fear of specific objects/situations.
- Fear is out of proportion to the threat.
- Awareness of excessive fear.
- Severe enough to cause distress/interfere with life.
- Involve avoidance.
- Examples include fear of flying, snakes, heights.
- Types include animal, natural environment, blood/injection/injury, situational, and other.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
- Causes more life disruption than other phobias.
- More intense and extensive than shyness.
- Exposure to trigger leads to anxiety about being humiliated or embarrassed socially.
- Persistent fear and avoidance of social situations
- Fear of negative evaluation or scrutiny.
- Onset often in adolescence.
- Comorbidity: 33% diagnosed with Avoidant Personality Disorder.
Panic Disorder
- Frequent, unexpected panic attacks.
- Intense apprehension and urge to flee.
- Symptoms peak within 10 minutes.
- Physical symptoms: labored breathing, heart palpitations, nausea, upset stomach, chest pain, feelings of choking and smothering, dizziness, sweating, lightheadedness, chills, heat sensations, and trembling; as well as depersonalization, derealization, fears of going crazy, losing control, or dying.
- 25% of people will experience a single panic attack (not the same as panic disorder).
- Uncued panic attacks occur unexpectedly and without warning.
- Cued panic attacks are triggered by specific situations.
Agoraphobia
- Anxiety about being unable to escape or receive help in anxiety-provoking situations (e.g., crowds, stores, malls, churches, trains, bridges, tunnels).
- Causes significant impairment in daily functioning.
- DSM-5 Criteria: marked and disproportionate fear of at least two situations where escape or help is difficult. - Being outside of the home alone. - Traveling on public transportation. - Being in open spaces. - Being in enclosed spaces. - Standing in line or being in a crowd.
- A subtype of panic disorder (DSM-IV-TR).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Chronic, excessive, and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life.
- Worry lasts at least 6 months and interferes with daily functioning.
- Associated symptoms: restlessness, feeling keyed up, poor concentration, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
- Common worry domains: relationships, health, finances, daily hassles, work, or school.
- Often begins in adolescence or earlier.
- GABA deficits contribute to hyperarousal.
Comorbidity of Anxiety Disorders
- 50% of individuals with an anxiety disorder meet criteria for another anxiety disorder.
- 75% of individuals with an anxiety disorder meet criteria for another psychological disorder.
- Common comorbid disorders: depression, substance abuse, personality disorders, medical disorders (e.g., coronary heart disease).
Cultural Factors
- Culture shapes the expression of anxieties and fears.
- Some anxieties are culturally specific syndromes (e.g., Taijin kyofusho in Japan, Kayak-angst in Inuit culture).
- Cultural influences vary in symptom presentation.
Anxiety Disorder Prevalence
- Specific phobia (10.1% 12-month prevalence; 13.8% lifetime prevalence)
- Social anxiety disorder (8.0% 12-month; 13% lifetime)
- Panic disorder (3.1% 12-month; 5.2% lifetime )
- Agoraphobia (1.7% 12-month prevalence, 2.6% lifetime prevalence)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (2.9% 12-month; 6.2% lifetime).
Etiology of Specific Phobias
- Mowrer's Two-Factor Model: Fear acquisition (classical conditioning) and fear maintenance (operant conditioning)
- Classical conditioning: associating a neutral stimulus with an aversive unconditioned stimulus leads to fear, e.g., dog bite with dogs.
- Operant conditioning: avoidance behavior is reinforces since it relieves /reduces fear and anxiety.
- Modeling and verbal instruction can also contribute.
Etiology of Anxiety Disorders (general)
- Family history of anxiety
- Neurobiological factors: deficits in areas like medial prefrontal cortex, and reduced inhibitory signaling (GABA), hyperactive amygdala.
- Fear circuit overactivity in the amygdala.
- Neurotransmitter dysregulation in serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA.
- Personality factors: behavioral inhibition, neuroticism
- Cognitive factors, including sustained negative beliefs, attention bias.
Etiology of Panic Disorder
- Neurobiological factors: locus coeruleus (major source of norepinephrine leading to nervous system activity), sensitivity to norepinephrine triggering drugs, and potential imbalances in neurotransmitter regulation.
- Behavioral factors: interoceptive conditioning (classical conditioning of panic to internal bodily sensations)
- Cognitive factors: catastrophic misinterpretations (e.g., "I'm having a heart attack!”), anxiety sensitivity, and attention bias.
- Genetic factors.
Etiology of Agoraphobia
- Fear-of-fear hypothesis: catastrophic expectations about public panic attacks (e.g., "What will people think of me?").
- Social anxiety and safety behaviors might lead to avoidance of certain situations.
Etiology of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Neurobiological factors: GABA deficits.
- Cognitive factors: Worry as a distraction, avoidance of arousal, negative beliefs about potential future events.
Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
- Exposure therapy (facing the anxiety trigger in a controlled setting).
- Systematic desensitization (relaxation techniques with imaginal exposure).
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches (increasing confidence in coping abilities, challenging negative expectations).
- Medication (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, DCS, and other anxiolytics).
- Exposure therapy (in vivo exposure).
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts related to anxiety disorders, including definitions of anxiety and fear, the Yerkes-Dodson Curve, and specific anxiety disorders as classified in the DSM-5. It explores the physiological arousal in response to threats and the adaptive functions of anxiety and fear. Test your knowledge and understanding of these crucial mental health topics.
