Lecture 5

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the physical system in response to anxiety?

To promote relaxation and calmness

To increase social interaction and connection

To mobilize physical resources to deal with perceived threats (correct)

To enhance cognitive processing and decision-making

Which of the following is NOT a symptom associated with the physical response to anxiety?

Dry mouth

Increased heart rate

Dizziness

Excessive happiness (correct)

How does the cognitive system influence the experience of anxiety?

By shifting attention towards perceived threats (correct)

By controlling physical sensations

By enhancing emotional stability

By improving memory recall

What is the role of the fight or flight response in anxiety?

To prepare the body to either confront or escape from a threat Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes normal anxiety versus abnormal anxiety?

Both types arise from the same experience but differ in severity and frequency. Signup and view all the answers

What internal systems are activated during the experience of anxiety?

Physical, cognitive, and behavioral systems Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological response is a common symptom of anxiety?

Muscle tension Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cognition relates directly to the perception of threat in anxiety?

Perceived danger and attentional focus Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of Australians who have experienced Panic Disorder in their lifetime?

5% Signup and view all the answers

Which population is more commonly affected by Panic Disorder?

Females Signup and view all the answers

What is a common comorbidity associated with Panic Disorder?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical onset period for Panic Disorder?

Early adulthood Signup and view all the answers

What defines a panic disorder?

Occurrence of panic attacks followed by significant behavioral changes Signup and view all the answers

According to the cognitive theory, what significantly influences the development of Panic Disorder?

High sensitivity to bodily experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of an unexpected panic attack?

It happens without any clear trigger Signup and view all the answers

What bodily sensation may be misinterpreted by individuals leading to Panic Disorder?

Shaking and increased heart rate Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is NOT typically associated with panic-related behaviors?

Engaging in extreme sports Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might someone with Panic Disorder exhibit due to their condition?

Avoiding public places Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant cognitive aspect associated with the experience of panic?

Fearing loss of control or going crazy Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception that affects treatment seeking in individuals with Panic Disorder?

Panic symptoms are often attributed to medical factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the term 'fear of fear' in relation to Panic Disorder?

Anticipatory anxiety regarding panic attacks Signup and view all the answers

How do panic attacks differ in individuals with social anxiety disorder compared to those with panic disorder?

Panic disorder involves fear of future attacks, while social anxiety disorder focuses on fear of embarrassment. Signup and view all the answers

What might an individual notice in their bodily sensations that leads to increased anxiety?

Increased awareness of bodily sensations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Yerkes-Dodson law in relation to anxiety?

There is an optimal level of anxiety for performance. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes abnormal or pathological anxiety?

Interfering with normal functioning despite the absence of objective threat. Signup and view all the answers

In the DSM-5, which anxiety disorder specifically pertains to the fear of being away from attachment figures?

Separation Anxiety Disorder Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as an anxiety disorder in the DSM-5?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Signup and view all the answers

What is typically a symptom of a panic attack?

Nausea and dizziness. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the level of threat overestimation in abnormal anxiety?

Overestimation of both likelihood and cost of negative outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples illustrates anxiety as potentially helpful?

Having a rush of fear upon hearing rustling in the bushes. Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred from DSM-IV to DSM-5 regarding Social Phobia?

It was renamed as Social Anxiety Disorder. Signup and view all the answers

How is a panic attack classified in relation to anxiety disorders?

It is considered a specifier for anxiety disorders. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to individual differences in anxiety response?

Socioeconomic status. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety arises from three interrelated systems: physical, cognitive, and behavioral, activated in response to perceived threats.

Normal vs. Abnormal Anxiety

Normal anxiety is evolutionary and essential for survival, with individual differences influenced by genetics and learned experiences.
Abnormal anxiety occurs in the absence of objective threats or is excessively intense, leading to functional impairment.
Overestimation of threat likelihood and cost ties to past experiences and observations.

DSM-5 Classification of Anxiety Disorders

Includes:
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Selective Mutism
- Specific Phobia
- Panic Disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders:
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Acute Stress Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Hoarding Disorder
- Trichotillomania
- Excoriation Disorder
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Panic Attacks

Experienced by 1 in 3 individuals, characterized by intense fear or discomfort peaking within 10 minutes.
Symptoms include autonomic arousal (sweating, rapid heart rate) and a fear of losing control or impending doom.
Recognized as a specifier for various DSM-5 diagnoses, e.g., GAD with Panic Attack Specifier.

Panic Disorder

Defined by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, followed by persistent concern regarding future attacks and maladaptive changes in behavior.
Associated behaviors include avoidance of panic-inducing situations and reliance on "safety behaviors" such as distractions and medications.
Approximately 5% of Australians experience Panic Disorder, often misrecognized for medical issues.

Cognitive Theory of Panic Disorder (Clark, 1988)

High sensitivity to bodily sensations can lead individuals to misinterpret normal bodily responses (e.g., caffeine-induced palpitations) as threatening, thus escalating anxiety.
The cycle involves heightened awareness of bodily sensations, misinterpretation, and subsequent panic escalation.

Panic Disorder Statistics

More prevalent in females and commonly begins in early adulthood.
Often comorbid with depression and agoraphobia, leading to significant lifestyle restrictions for affected individuals.
Treatment initiation may occur years after onset due to misattribution of symptoms.

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Description

Explore the complexities of anxiety in this quiz, focusing on the distinction between normal and pathological anxiety. Understand how anxiety can be helpful and unhelpful in various situations, such as evolutionary survival versus test-related stress. Delve into individual differences stemming from genetics and learned experiences in shaping one's anxiety responses.