Lecture 6

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Questions and Answers

What is a defining characteristic of specific phobias according to the DSM-5?

The anxiety lasts for only a few days.

The phobic stimulus is avoided or endured with intense fear. (correct)

The individual cannot have any other type of anxiety disorder.

The fear is always rational and proportional to the threat.

How long must the symptoms of a specific phobia persist for a diagnosis?

At least 1 year.

At least 6 months. (correct)

At least 1 month.

At least 3 months.

Which of the following is NOT a subtype of specific phobia as defined in the DSM-5?

Natural environment

Situational

Animals

Social situations (correct)

What is a common example of normal anxiety contrasted with a specific phobia?

Worrying about a flight during turbulence vs. avoiding all air travel. Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is often cited as a cause for the development of specific phobias?

Classical conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of phobias that are more likely to develop?

They are related to survival and evolutionary threats. Signup and view all the answers

Which group has a higher prevalence of specific phobias?

Females, specifically for animal and environmental phobias. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) from other anxiety disorders?

It involves uncontrollable worry about a wide range of activities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the associated symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Heightened autonomic arousal Signup and view all the answers

How long must the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder persist for a diagnosis?

At least 6 months Signup and view all the answers

In terms of the development of specific phobias, which statement is true?

Many individuals cannot recall a specific reason for their phobia. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is closely associated with excessive meta-worry?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phobia-related stimuli is considered rare despite high injury rates?

Knives Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best defines obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

They are repeated intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of compulsions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

To neutralise obsessions and reduce anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

How is the continuum of intrusive thoughts best described in relation to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Every intrusive thought is considered unacceptable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the identified dimensions of common obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Personal Success Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the nature of compulsions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

They may be excessive and not realistically connected to the situations they are meant to address. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

High trait anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What can cause the process of catastrophising to occur in individuals with GAD?

Limited control over worry Signup and view all the answers

Which group is associated with a higher prevalence of Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

Females Signup and view all the answers

What age group most commonly sees the onset of Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

31-39 years Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is often maintained in GAD to reduce distress?

Worrying excessively Signup and view all the answers

What is the lifetime prevalence rate for Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

6.1% Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals with GAD typically perceive ambiguous situations?

They see them as threatening Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge faced by those with GAD when seeking mental health help?

Delays of over 10 years before seeking help Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledge traditional landowners: Gadigal people.
Historical determinants like colonization and intergenerational trauma increase depression and anxiety risks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Importance of culturally competent support addressing holistic health, including social and emotional wellbeing.
Protective factors contributing to better outcomes: social support, cultural ties, spirituality, self-determination, and governance.

Specific Phobias

Defined by DSM-5 as marked fear of specific objects/situations, disproportionate to actual threat.
Must persist for 6 months or more, leading to significant distress or functional impairment.
Subtypes include: Animals, Blood, Injection and Injury, Natural Environment, Situational, and Other.
Differentiation between normal anxiety and phobias emphasized through examples.

Causes of Specific Phobia

Conditioning: Not solely responsible; many develop phobias without identifiable traumatic events.
Certain stimuli (e.g., snakes, heights) more likely to induce phobias due to evolutionary preparedness.

Prevalence and Course of Specific Phobias

Common in children, more intense in adults, affecting 7-9% of the adult population.
Higher prevalence in females (2:1 ratio).
Phobias may wax and wane in childhood but persist into adulthood and can emerge later in life.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry across various life aspects without a single trigger.
Associated symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
Concerns shift frequently and are often age-appropriate over a lifespan.

Worry Control and Characteristics in GAD

Intensity of worry exceeds actual threat likelihood or impact.
Automatic catastrophizing often escalates worries (e.g., traffic jam leading to lost job and homelessness).
Individuals have limited control over worry; worry serves as a maintenance behavior.

Prevalence and Course of GAD

Lifetime prevalence rate is 6.1%, with higher rates in females.
Age of onset between 31-39 years, often linked to "anxious temperament" in youth.
Many do not seek help; those who do may experience a treatment delay exceeding 10 years.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Defined by repeated, intrusive, irrational thoughts (obsessions) causing significant anxiety.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to mitigate obsession-related anxiety.
Four primary dimensions of obsessions: Contamination, Doubt/Harm, Symmetry/Order, Forbidden/Taboo.
Individuals with OCD may perceive thoughts as actions, leading to increased distress and compulsive behaviors.

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Description

This quiz focuses on Mental Health Conditions, specifically on Anxiety Disorders as outlined in Lesson 6 of the PSYC1002 course taught by Dr. Elizabeth Seeley-Wait. It acknowledges the historical and social determinants affecting mental health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.