Psychology Chapter on Anxiety Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Severe avoidance of public speaking

Frequent panic attacks

Fear of open spaces

Frequent and exaggerated worries (correct)

Which of the following best describes panic disorder?

Sustained clarity of thought during panic attacks

Consistent fear of social interactions

Rapid heartbeat and occasional panic attacks (correct)

Excessive worry about health issues

What percentage of the U.S. population is estimated to experience anxiety disorders?

0.8%

5-6%

2.99%

7.1% (correct)

What distinguishes agoraphobia from social phobia?

Fear of open or public spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mechanism through which phobias are learned?

Social observation and personal experience Signup and view all the answers

Why are avoidance behaviors related to phobias resistant to extinction?

They are based on fear conditioning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about panic disorder is true?

It often leads to the development of other phobias. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable observation that limits the classical conditioning explanation of phobias?

Phobias can develop without any prior traumatic experience. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most successful type of therapy for treating phobias?

Exposure Therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which fears are acquired in learning models for anxiety disorders?

Classical Conditioning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of anxious thinking?

Optimism Bias Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive intervention can help individuals reinterpret their distressing thoughts?

Cognitive Intervention Signup and view all the answers

How does exposure therapy help clients with phobias?

By gradually exposing them to their fear Signup and view all the answers

Why might exposure therapy be ineffective for some patients?

Many patients refuse or quit the treatment Signup and view all the answers

What complicates the return of phobias after treatment?

Temporary effectiveness of exposure therapy Signup and view all the answers

In what way can anxiety be genetically influenced?

Through a level of neuroticism Signup and view all the answers

Which type of phobia involves fear of social situations?

Social Phobia Signup and view all the answers

What results from catastrophic thinking in anxious individuals?

Predicting terrible events despite low probability Signup and view all the answers

What symptom indicates increased tolerance in internet addiction?

Diminished effect with continued use of the same amount Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best signifies withdrawal symptoms in internet addiction?

Cessation leads to emotional disturbances Signup and view all the answers

How does internet addiction affect daily functioning?

Causes significant distress in social and occupational functioning Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about internet addiction?

Only manifests after substance abuse Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is commonly associated with excessive internet use?

Avoidance of social activities Signup and view all the answers

What principle is the basis of systematic desensitization?

Reciprocal inhibition Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is specifically recognized for overcoming phobias through gradual exposure?

Systematic desensitization Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT a step in the systematic desensitization process?

Immediate exposure Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason that people with addiction may continue their harmful habits?

Avoiding withdrawal symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What area of the brain is primarily stimulated by addictive substances during an addiction?

Nucleus accumbens Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of panic disorder?

Only occurring in social situations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disorders involves a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult?

Agoraphobia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between generalized anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders?

Generalized fear and worry Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of counterconditioning accomplish in systematic desensitization?

Pairs relaxation with anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which type of exposure is used in systematic desensitization to face fears directly?

In vivo exposure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which monkeys develop a fear of snakes according to the study?

Vicarious learning through observation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following objects are commonly associated with phobias?

Public speaking Signup and view all the answers

The tendency to develop fears of certain objects may be influenced by which evolutionary factor?

Past dangers associated with those objects Signup and view all the answers

What defines an obsession in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Repetitive, unwelcome thoughts Signup and view all the answers

What is a common type of compulsion experienced by individuals with OCD?

Cleaning rituals Signup and view all the answers

Which type of phobia primarily involves fear of public settings and situations?

Agoraphobia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most closely associated with panic disorder?

Feeling intense fear within a short period Signup and view all the answers

How might someone with generalized anxiety disorder primarily express their condition?

Constant worrying about various aspects of life Signup and view all the answers

What type of learning is indicated when a monkey learns to fear a snake by observing another monkey?

Vicarious learning Signup and view all the answers

What common behavior is observed in compulsive checkers?

Constantly double-checking their actions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common limitation of trait theories regarding personality assessment?

They may lead to oversimplified classifications. Signup and view all the answers

Which personality assessment method is primarily based on the self-reported inventory?

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following Big Five personality traits measures an individual's emotional stability?

Neuroticism Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of personality does the NEO PI-R specifically assess?

Neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of the MMPI that is intended to ensure valid results?

It features three validity scales to detect distorted responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following assessments is associated with detecting personality traits through ambiguous stimuli?

Projective assessments like the Rorschach Signup and view all the answers

What is one strength of trait theories in personality psychology?

They provide reliable and valid personality descriptions. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of personality is primarily emphasized by humanistic psychology?

Consciousness and individual values Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which of these statements about social cultural influences on behavior is true?

Socio-cultural influences are underestimated in trait theories. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of unconditional positive regard according to Carl Rogers?

To provide complete acceptance without conditions Signup and view all the answers

What body types did William Sheldon associate with different personality traits?

Mesomorphic, Endomorphic, Ectomorphic Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes self-actualized individuals according to Maslow?

They are spontaneous and accepting of others Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a personality trait?

A consistent tendency in behavior Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial process used to derive the Big Five personality traits?

Narrowing down from over 18,000 descriptors Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of trait theories in personality assessment?

They do not account for situational variability Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the temporary expression of a behavior according to personality psychology?

State Signup and view all the answers

Which personality trait from the Big Five is typically associated with being organized and dependable?

Conscientiousness Signup and view all the answers

How does cultural context influence personality traits?

It can shape the expression and valuation of traits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a permanent change in personality?

A consistent shift in behavior due to life experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is NOT a part of the Big Five personality traits?

Loyalty Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of conscientiousness within the Big Five personality traits?

Being self-disciplined and dutiful Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the typical change in personality after age 30?

There is little evidence for personality change. Signup and view all the answers

How do cross-cultural studies contribute to understanding the Big Five personality traits?

They highlight that certain traits may emerge differently across cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following benefits is associated with using personality assessments based on the Big Five model?

They predict important behaviors like job performance and health outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of trait theories like the Big Five personality model?

They provide limited insight into personality changes over time. Signup and view all the answers

What trait emphasizes interdependence concern, as identified in studies among Chinese students?

Interpersonal relatedness Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the findings of studies on the Big Five across different cultures?

Some traits, like loyalty, may be emphasized more in specific cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of projective tests like the Rorschach Inkblot Test?

They often lack strong reliability and validity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is accurate?

It classifies personality into four dichotomies. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Pitfall in Personality Assessment identify as a common issue with general descriptors?

They often lead people to believe they are unique in their traits. Signup and view all the answers

How do standardized personality tests determine the significance of a test score?

By comparing it with a specific distribution of scores. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of personality assessment can lead to misconceptions regarding personality traits?

The challenge in establishing strong correlations between test results and actual behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of personality traits in relation to behavior?

They influence behavior across many situations. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is characterized by examining unique characteristics of individuals?

Idiographic approach Signup and view all the answers

How do lifespan changes typically affect personality traits in older adults?

They lead to stability and consistency in personality. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor plays a minimal role in shaping personality differences according to research?

Family environment Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for comparing personalities across different cultures?

Observation of actual behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theories describes general principles across populations?

Nomothetic approach Signup and view all the answers

What major influence is identified in the variation of personality attributed to the era in which an individual lives?

Cultural norms Signup and view all the answers

Which trait model is most commonly assessed through the Big Five personality traits?

OCEAN model Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the increased fixation of personality traits as individuals age?

Consistent environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Abnormal Psychology: Disorders and Treatment - I

Quiz 2 is scheduled for December 6, 2024, from 3:15 to 4:45 a.m. in LI-3508.
The quiz will cover modules 12 (Stress & Health), 13 (Social Psychology), 14 (Personality), and 15 (Abnormal Psychology).
The quiz format comprises multiple choice questions and short-answer questions, accounting for 35% of the overall grade.

Assessment Tasks

A term paper, due on December 13, 2024, accounts for 20% of the grade.
The paper requires a brief introduction of the chosen theory or concept, a critical appraisal of the theory, relevant empirical studies, discussion of practical implications, and use of sources formatted according to APA style.
The word limit is 1,500 excluding references.

Practical Marks

Participation in research studies contributes 10% to the overall grade.
30 minutes of participation earns +1 mark, and lab studies earn +1.5 marks per 30 minutes.
Commentary on articles, with 250 words, earns +2 marks.
One absence incurs -1 mark, and lateness exceeding 5 minutes results in -1 mark.
The due date for research participation and commentary submission is December 13, 2024.

Attitude toward seeking professional help scale - short form (Fisher & Farina, 1995)

This is a scale to assess attitudes towards professional help for mental health problems.
Participants respond using a 0-3 scale (disagree to agree).
Various statements assess different aspects of attitudes, like perceived need for help, likeliness of seeking help, and perceived value of counseling.

Module 15.1: An Overview of Abnormal Behavior

This module focuses on describing and evaluating definitions of mental illness.
It defines and discusses the biopsychosocial model of mental illness, addressing its biological, psychological, and sociological aspects.
Modules provide examples of cultural influences on abnormal behavior and a description of the DSM-5 categories and their examples.
It evaluates the assumptions behind DSM-5 and its categorical approach to mental illness.
The American Psychiatric Association defines mental disorder as a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.

Module 15.1: Defining Abnormal Behavior

Defines mental disorder as clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotion regulation or behavior.
Applying this definition can be challenging due to disagreements about what constitutes a significant disturbance.
Abnormal behavior has been described in diverse ways, including attributing it to spirit possession in the past.
The biopsychosocial model emphasizes biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of abnormal behavior.
Culture profoundly influences abnormal behavior, by showcasing both normal and abnormal behaviors within that context.

Table 15.1: Categories of Psychological Disorders According to DSM-5

Classifies psychological disorders using the DSM-5 system.
Subcategories include neurodevelopmental disorders, bipolar and related disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and more.
This is a structured way of classifying disorders to facilitate diagnosis and treatment.

DSM-V (American Psychiatric Association, 2013)

This document details 11 new diagnostic criteria: shared neural substrates, family traits, genetic risk, environmental risk factors, biomarkers, temperament, cognition, symptom similarity, course of illness, high comorbidity and shared treatment response.
The module also discusses developmental and lifespan considerations.

DSM-V (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) - Specific Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders include intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and related issues.
Mood disorders encompass schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar & related disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive & related disorders, and trauma & stressor-related disorders.
Somatic symptom & related disorders include feeding & eating disorders, elimination disorders, sleep-wake disorders, sexual dysfunctions, gender dysphoria, disruptive impulse-control & conduct disorders.
Neurocognitive disorders include Alzheimer's Disease, traumatic brain-injury, HIV infection, and related disorders that significantly impact cognitive functioning.
Personality disorders span cluster A (Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal), cluster B (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic) and cluster C disorders (Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive).
Additional conditions like abuse and neglect, are also listed.

DSM and the Categorical Approach to Psychological Disorders

Psychiatrists and psychologists created the DSM to standardize their diagnostic criteria.
The DSM is a reference manual providing specific criteria for classifying psychological diagnoses.
Common criticisms of the categorical approach include that many individuals might fit multiple diagnoses, various disorders may share common underlying causes, and treatments for one disorder may effectively address another condition. Suggesting an alternative to rate people along multiple dimensions of distress.

Mental Illness and the Law

The insanity defense, less than 1% of criminal cases successfully use in a legal setting to argue the defendant's lack of understanding their actions at time of committing crime.
Involuntary commitment procedures, used to protect individuals facing mental health crises from themselves & others.

Table 15.2: Six Personality Disorders

Presents six personality disorders: Antisocial, Avoidant, Borderline, Narcissistic, Obsessive-compulsive, and Schizotypal.
Each disorder is described in clear terms.

Personality Disorders

To be diagnosed, personality traits must first appear during adolescence.
Traits are inflexible, stable, and consistent across various situations, causing significant distress or impairment.
Personality disorders demonstrate substantial comorbidity with other psychological conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders.

Borderline Personality Disorder

This disorder primarily affects women.
Characterized by mood instability, difficulty maintaining a stable sense of self, and impulsivity.
A sociobiological model suggests people with BPD overreact to stress and struggle with regulating emotions.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Characterized by superficial charm, dishonesty, and tendencies to exploit others.
Overlaps significantly with antisocial personality disorder, and it is more common in men, affecting a considerable portion of the jail population.

Prevalence of Common Mental Health Disorders (Table; Page 21)

Summarizes prevalence rates of various mental disorders as percentages of studied populations, across different countries.

Psychological Viewpoints of Psychopathology

Psychoanalytic theory proposes that abnormal behavior stems partly from repressed conflicts and urges.
Behavioral theorists view abnormal behavior as learned through experience and conditioning.
Cognitive explanations suggest that abnormal behavior originates from irrational beliefs and illogical thinking patterns.

Module 15.2: Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

This module encompasses generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and learned avoidance responses.
It provides a theoretical framework using classical conditioning to explain the onset of phobias.
It presents an evaluation of limitations of the classical conditioning model applied to phobias, including evidence not explained easily, and an overview of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Prevalence Rate of Anxiety Disorders (Figure 15.2)

Presents data in a visual format showing rates of anxiety disorders across various countries.

Prevalence rate of AD & Phobia (Table; Page 26)

Provides data on the prevalence rates of anxiety disorders and phobias in various countries (US, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, & Hong Kong).

Disorders with Excessive Anxiety

GAD is a chronic state of anxiety and worry.
Panic Disorder is defined by recurrent panic attacks involving a surge of intense fear or discomfort.
Hyperventilation occurs as a symptom when rapid breathing becomes excessive, leading to decreased carbon dioxide in the blood.
Panic sufferers commonly develop anxiety disorders or agoraphobia—a fear of open or public spaces.
Social phobia is also associated with intense anxieties about social interactions.

Phobia

An avoidance behavior is resistant to extinction:
A phobia is an overwhelming fear that disrupts normal life.
Phobias are learned, influenced by observed behaviors and experiences.

Learning Fear by Observation (Study 1 & 2)

Involves lab and wild-born monkeys, and describes two experiments to investigate fear learning through observational experience.
Results indicate that monkeys learn from observing fearful behaviors in others, demonstrating vicarious learning.
Suggesting that children can acquire fears by observing others' reactions.

Some Phobias Are More Common Than Others

Common phobias encompass fears of public places, public speaking, heights, air travel, water, strangers, animals, blood, and unusual weather events.
People demonstrate varying degrees of fear responses conditioned by observed or experienced threats.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD involves recurring thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions) that can significantly interfere with daily life.
Common compulsions often revolve around cleaning and checking.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (continued)

Compulsive checkers constantly double-check themselves.
Repetitive checking can lead to decreased confidence in previous checks.
Effective treatments for OCD involve exposure to the source of distress while preventing the compulsive behavior.

Explanations for Anxiety Disorders

Learning models emphasize the acquisition of fears through classical conditioning and maintenance mechanisms involving operant conditioning.
Learning via observation of others or inaccurate information also contributes to anxiety disorder development.

Explanations for Anxiety Disorders (continued)

Anxious individuals tend to engage in catastrophic thinking—predicting negative consequences (despite low probability).
Anxiety sensitivity—a fear of anxiety-related symptoms also contributes to anxieties.
Neuroticism may influence the likelihood of anxiety disorder development.

Treatment for Phobias

Exposure therapy (systematic desensitization) is the most effective way to address phobias.
Involves gradually exposing people to the feared item or situation.
Systematic desensitization helps by preventing avoidance of feared stimulus, as clients progressively confront the stimulus and learn it's not as threatening as imagined.

Exposure Therapies

Clients confront feared stimuli, and the goal includes decreasing the intensity of the feared stimuli.
Earliest examples include systematic desensitization techniques developed by Joseph Wolpe in 1958.
Method involves gradually exposing clients to anxiety-producing situations, starting with imagined scenes.

Systematic Desensitization

Based on the principle of reciprocal inhibition—the inability for someone to be simultaneously anxious and calm.
Employs counterconditioning by repeatedly associating a relaxation response with anxiety-provoking stimuli.
Can be implemented using imaginal techniques or real-world exposures to create a hierarchy of feared items.

In vivo desensitization & Virtual Reality Therapy

Involves gradually approaching and confronting fears in real-world situations.
Virtual reality therapy assists clients gradually approaching their fears in a simulated, safe environment.

Systematic Desensitization (continued)

Dismantling clinical research confirms that no single component of treatment is crucial.
This leads to variations of exposure therapies with response prevention components like flooding.
Treatment demonstrates considerable effectiveness in addressing diverse anxiety disorders, including phobias, OCD, and PTSD.

Systematic Desensitization (Steps)

Relaxation training is the first step.
Creating a fear hierarchy follows relaxation training.
Progressive exposure to the hierarchy is the final step. This involves progressively confronting feared situations.

Desensitization Hierarchy (Example)

Demonstrates a systematic approach, progressively exposing clients to increasingly anxiety-inducing situations.

Defines substance dependence/addiction.
Explains why accurately classifying addictive substances is challenging.
Discusses different explanations for addiction.
Describes procedures to identify at-risk individuals for alcohol abuse.
Details treatments for alcoholism and opiate addiction.

Substance Dependence (Addiction)

Addiction is characterized by the inability to quit self-destructive habits.
Addictive substances increase dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, associated with attention.
Reasons for addiction persist even if the harmful effects are apparent, like avoiding withdrawal symptoms and stress reduction.
Addictions alter brain's response to addictive substances strengthening their effects, decreasing responsiveness towards other elements.

Brain Chemistry of Addictive Behaviors (Figure 15.7)

Illustrates the nucleus accumbens, a brain area crucial for motivating responses to factors like drugs, food, and sex.
Drugs increase dopamine activity within this area.

Is it a problem?: Internet Addiction

Questions whether internet addiction is a recognized disorder.

Take your side – Is internet addiction a disorder? (DSM-IV criteria)

Presents arguments for and against considering Internet addiction a disorder according to DSM-IV criteria.
Arguments include the effects of continued use despite negative consequences (tolerance, withdrawal, significant distress, etc.)

Internet Gaming Disorder (APA, 2013)

Suggests criteria for diagnosis.
Chronic internet gaming is frequently used to manage negative moods, has potential for significant distress.
Lists criteria including preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance (increasing gaming time), unsuccessful attempts to quit, and lost interest in previous activities.

Internet Gaming Disorder (continued)

Presents additional proposed criteria for diagnosis, including behaviors like excessive gaming despite knowledge of negative consequences, using gaming to escape negative moods, jeopardizing relationships or job/education, and excluding recreational or social internet use.

Internet Gaming Disorder (continued)

Provides examples of typical behaviors, such as prolonged gaming sessions disregarding basic needs like sleep and food, displaying irritability/anxiety when gaming is interrupted.
Outlines mild/severe levels of gaming disorder based on the time spent gaming or the extent disruption in daily life.

Internet Gaming Disorder (continued)

Prevalence is highest in Asian countries.
Risk factors include computer availability, genetics & physiological elements (unclear).
Functional consequences include school failure, job loss, marriage difficulties, neglect of family, and comorbidity with other mental illnesses (MDD, ADHD, OCD).
Excessive use of social media, including Facebook, viewing online pornography, is not considered analogous and warrants future research.

Risk Factors

Lists factors that increase the chance of experiencing a mental health condition.
These range from family dysfunction and poor parenting styles to social alienation, poor coping strategies and exposure to negative life events.
Potential factors include mental health issues (depressed mood, anxiety).

Protective Factors

Describes factors that support well-being.
These encompass positive relationships in families, democratic parenting, problem-solving and coping skills, social connectedness within supportive peer groups, involvement in school and a variety of activities.
Fostering positive self-worth, competency and internal locus of control.

Treatments for IGD

Lists potential treatments and therapies like behavioral therapy, adventure-based therapy, and mindfulness for mitigating internet gaming disorder.

Alcoholism

Discusses the habitual overuse of alcohol, genetic predispositions toward early-onset alcoholism in humans.
Emphasizes how genetic predisposition is a key element for alcoholism.

Predicting Alcoholism

Suggests that behavioral patterns may predict future alcoholism.
Highlights studies investigating the abilities of individuals estimating their degree of intoxication after consuming alcohol, pointing out a correlation with the development of alcoholism.

Alcoholism (continued)

Discusses that those with less than average intoxication are more prone to developing heavy drinking habits than average drinkers.
Outlines treatments, such as self-help groups, contingency management, and pharmacotherapies (like Antabuse) utilized to assist individuals attempting to quit alcohol consumption or substance abuse.

Opiate Dependence

Discusses that Opiate use has a rapid onset compared to alcohol/tobacco dependence.
Outlines treatment strategies, including self-help groups, contingency management, and medication to alleviate cravings (like Methadone).

Table 15.3: Comparison of Methadone and Morphine

Compares properties of Methadone and Morphine focusing on addictiveness, onset, relieving cravings, rapid withdrawal symptoms (when stopped).

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Describes Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a popular self-help group for those with alcohol addiction.
AA's method, centered on the 12-step program, emphasizes peer support and shared experiences with little research demonstrating effectiveness.

AA Alternatives

Presents controlled drinking, as an effective program—to help people set limits/moderately consume alcohol.
Relapse prevention is a treatment approach that anticipates setbacks and implements recovery protocols accordingly.

Module 15.4: Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, and Autism

This module is designed to assist with describing mood disorders (major depression), its causes, treatments, distinguishing them from bipolar disorder, primary schizophrenia symptoms, genetic/neurodevelopmental hypotheses for schizophrenia and its related treatments.

Symptoms of Depression

Lists symptoms of depression including cognitive, behavioral & emotional elements.

Mood Disorders

Describes depression as a recurring condition wherein symptoms fluctuate at different times.
Highlights that episodes span several months/years.
Emphasizes the significant impact on functional abilities across various areas of life.

Sample MDD Symptoms

Lists symptoms associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Depression

Discusses major depression, reporting cultural variations in its presentation and experiencing symptoms.
Discusses the possibility for repeating episodes, following previous stressful events.

Prevalence Rate of Depression

Provides data on depression prevalence rates within various countries (US, China, Japan, and Hong Kong)

Eating Disorders

Describes anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, and their related symptoms—as eating disorders.

DSM-V Assessment criteria & Method

Details criteria and assessment procedures—for diagnosing eating disorders—according to the DSM-V system.

Conceptual Model of Disordered Eating

Presents a visual model showing interconnectedness of factors that contribute towards developing eating disorders (anxiety, avoidance of eating, reduction of anxiety).

Explanations for MDD

Addresses the intricate interplay between biological, societal, psychological, and environmental factors in MDD development, acknowledging significant disruptions/losses of valued elements in a person's life.

Explanations for MDD (continued)

Behavioral approaches—regarding the reduced positive reinforcement, leading to depression. - Beck's cognitive theory suggesting that depression originates from negative thought patterns/expectations.
Discusses learned helplessness—as a core concept—in the context of depression, explaining a person's attribution of failures internally and globally. - Emphasizes the importance of genetic factors influencing MDD, highlighting the impact of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Environmental and Genetic Influences on Depression

Discusses the unsuccessful pursuit for a single gene associated with major depression - but the presence of family mental health histories that may indicate a predisposition to MDD.
Further explores a link between depression & other conditions (substance use, attention deficit, migraine headaches), suggesting that depression may be followed by issues like anxiety or eating disorders.

Treatments for Major Depression

Provides details of antidepressants, discussing tricyclic drugs, SSRIs and MAOIs—their method of working, duration of effects & potential advantages/disadvantages.

How antidepressants work? (Figure 15.9)

Illustrates the mechanism of action of antidepressants, highlighting how they influence the neurotransmitter system—including the role of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine.

Treatments for Major Depression (continued)

Describes cognitive therapy.
Discusses the recovery rate across varying degrees of severity, noting that milder depression can show spontaneous recovery in several months for a significant number of cases.

Treatments for Major Depression (continued)

Discusses the choice between psychotherapy and antidepressants, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each in relation to treatment effectiveness and duration
Describes Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), a procedure used in situations where other treatments prove ineffective and involves using electrical stimulation to produce seizures, while other treatments focus on cognitive and behavioral changes.

Bipolar Disorder

Defines bipolar disorder—as a condition characterized by alternating episodes of extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression).
Describes mania as the opposite of depression, where persistent energy, uninhibited behavior, and irritability are experienced.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Test your knowledge on anxiety disorders with this quiz focused on key characteristics, treatment approaches, and learning mechanisms related to conditions like GAD, panic disorder, and phobias. Explore common misconceptions and effective therapies such as exposure therapy in understanding anxiety disorders.

Psychology Chapter on Anxiety Disorders

Choose a study mode

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Which of the following best describes panic disorder?

What percentage of the U.S. population is estimated to experience anxiety disorders?

What distinguishes agoraphobia from social phobia?

What is a common mechanism through which phobias are learned?

Why are avoidance behaviors related to phobias resistant to extinction?

Which of the following statements about panic disorder is true?

What is a notable observation that limits the classical conditioning explanation of phobias?

What is the most successful type of therapy for treating phobias?

What is the primary mechanism by which fears are acquired in learning models for anxiety disorders?

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of anxious thinking?

What cognitive intervention can help individuals reinterpret their distressing thoughts?

How does exposure therapy help clients with phobias?

Why might exposure therapy be ineffective for some patients?

What complicates the return of phobias after treatment?

In what way can anxiety be genetically influenced?

Which type of phobia involves fear of social situations?

What results from catastrophic thinking in anxious individuals?

What symptom indicates increased tolerance in internet addiction?

Which of the following best signifies withdrawal symptoms in internet addiction?

How does internet addiction affect daily functioning?

What is a common misconception about internet addiction?

What behavior is commonly associated with excessive internet use?

What principle is the basis of systematic desensitization?

Which treatment is specifically recognized for overcoming phobias through gradual exposure?

Which component is NOT a step in the systematic desensitization process?

What is a common reason that people with addiction may continue their harmful habits?

What area of the brain is primarily stimulated by addictive substances during an addiction?

What is NOT a characteristic of panic disorder?

Which of the following disorders involves a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult?

Which of the following is a key difference between generalized anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders?

What does the process of counterconditioning accomplish in systematic desensitization?

Which type of exposure is used in systematic desensitization to face fears directly?

What is the primary mechanism by which monkeys develop a fear of snakes according to the study?

Which of the following objects are commonly associated with phobias?

The tendency to develop fears of certain objects may be influenced by which evolutionary factor?

What defines an obsession in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

What is a common type of compulsion experienced by individuals with OCD?

Which type of phobia primarily involves fear of public settings and situations?

Which of the following is most closely associated with panic disorder?

How might someone with generalized anxiety disorder primarily express their condition?

What type of learning is indicated when a monkey learns to fear a snake by observing another monkey?

What common behavior is observed in compulsive checkers?

What is a common limitation of trait theories regarding personality assessment?

Which personality assessment method is primarily based on the self-reported inventory?

Which of the following Big Five personality traits measures an individual's emotional stability?

What characteristic of personality does the NEO PI-R specifically assess?

What is a critical aspect of the MMPI that is intended to ensure valid results?

Which of the following assessments is associated with detecting personality traits through ambiguous stimuli?

What is one strength of trait theories in personality psychology?

Which aspect of personality is primarily emphasized by humanistic psychology?

According to the content, which of these statements about social cultural influences on behavior is true?

What is the primary purpose of unconditional positive regard according to Carl Rogers?

What body types did William Sheldon associate with different personality traits?

What characterizes self-actualized individuals according to Maslow?

Which of the following best describes a personality trait?

What was the initial process used to derive the Big Five personality traits?

What is a key limitation of trait theories in personality assessment?

Which term refers to the temporary expression of a behavior according to personality psychology?

Which personality trait from the Big Five is typically associated with being organized and dependable?

How does cultural context influence personality traits?

Which of the following is an example of a permanent change in personality?

Which of the following traits is NOT a part of the Big Five personality traits?

What is the primary focus of conscientiousness within the Big Five personality traits?

Which statement best describes the typical change in personality after age 30?

How do cross-cultural studies contribute to understanding the Big Five personality traits?

Which of the following benefits is associated with using personality assessments based on the Big Five model?

What is one limitation of trait theories like the Big Five personality model?

What trait emphasizes interdependence concern, as identified in studies among Chinese students?

Which statement accurately reflects the findings of studies on the Big Five across different cultures?

What is a key limitation of projective tests like the Rorschach Inkblot Test?

Which of the following statements about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is accurate?

What does the Pitfall in Personality Assessment identify as a common issue with general descriptors?

How do standardized personality tests determine the significance of a test score?

What aspect of personality assessment can lead to misconceptions regarding personality traits?

What is a defining characteristic of personality traits in relation to behavior?