Social Anxiety Disorder Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of Specific Phobia?

It involves avoidance behaviors related to specific situations or objects. (correct)

It only manifests in children.

It is directly associated with physical symptoms such as increased heart rate.

It occurs only during social interactions.

Which of the following is a common cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) technique for treating anxiety disorders?

Exposure therapy to confront avoidance behaviors. (correct)

Psychoanalysis to uncover underlying issues.

Minimizing discussions about fears.

Immediate use of medication without therapy.

How are anxiety disorders commonly maintained?

Through continuous medication adjustment.

By establishing trust and rapport with therapists.

By adopting safety and avoidance behaviors. (correct)

Through engaging in therapy without practicing exposure.

What distinguishes fear from anxiety?

Fear relates to immediate threats whereas anxiety is future-oriented. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following comorbid conditions is often linked with anxiety disorders?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Signup and view all the answers

What role do developmental influences play in anxiety disorders?

They can shape how fear responses are learned and expressed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about treating anxiety disorders?

All anxiety disorders require medication. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to the causation of anxiety disorders?

Consistent engagement in therapeutic practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated prevalence of Social Anxiety Disorder in the population?

7-14% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disorders is commonly comorbid with Social Anxiety Disorder?

Major Depressive Disorder Signup and view all the answers

What therapeutic technique is mentioned as beneficial for managing phobias such as fear of snakes?

Exposure therapy Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of life does Social Anxiety Disorder typically start to develop?

Late adolescence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT considered a causal factor for Social Anxiety Disorder?

Inherited mood disorders Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder may avoid social situations due to a fear of being what?

Scrutinized or negatively evaluated Signup and view all the answers

A subtype of Social Anxiety Disorder specifically related to performance fears is known as what?

Specific performance subtype Signup and view all the answers

What feeling is often misattributed by individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder regarding how others view them?

Concern Signup and view all the answers

What practice is recommended to help reduce anxiety during exposure to feared situations?

Breathing techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is a key sign that Social Anxiety Disorder is interfering with an individual's functioning?

Avoidance of social situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective long-term treatment for panic disorder?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alone Signup and view all the answers

Which medication class is preferred for treating panic disorder?

SSRIs Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue associated with benzodiazepines in the treatment of panic disorder?

High potential for relapse upon discontinuation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a cycle that contributes to panic disorder?

Body sensations interpreted as catastrophic leading to apprehension Signup and view all the answers

In a sample exposure hierarchy, driving over a bridge with a baby is rated as what percentage of fear?

100% Signup and view all the answers

What type of therapy includes panic control as its focal point?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cognitive theory explains how panic disorder develops?

Threat perception and catastrophic thinking Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment method involves facing situations that are being avoided?

Exposure therapy within CBT Signup and view all the answers

How do cognitive distortions play a role in the maintenance of panic disorder?

They cause individuals to misinterpret bodily sensations Signup and view all the answers

What physiological response is often misinterpreted by individuals with panic disorder?

Body sensations perceived as dangerous Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Extreme fear and anxiety in social situations due to potential scrutiny or negative evaluation by others
People with social anxiety disorder either avoid social situations or endure them with significant distress
It interferes with their overall functioning
The DSM-5-TR includes a specific subtype called "Performance Only", which means a person experiences anxiety in specific performance situations.
Common in 7% of the population, with some claiming it to be the most common anxiety disorder.
Estimates suggest 13-14% of the population experience social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.
Onset typically occurs during late high school, university, or college years.
The peak onset age aligns with the time individuals are more frequently scrutinized and evaluated.
While there is no significant bias, there may be a slight increase in females.
The onset usually occurs in adolescents, during a period where they are constantly being evaluated by parents and other adults.
Individuals with social anxiety disorder are often more sensitive to the idea that people are always noticing and judging them, even when that is not the case.
Frequently comorbid with major depressive disorder and eating disorders.

Biological and evolutionary vulnerability.
Behavioral inhibition, which is inheritable.
Learning experiences.

Cognitive Theory of Panic

A trigger stimulus (internal or external) leads to a perceived threat.
The perceived threat causes apprehension, worry, and fear, often focused on having a panic attack or other distressing situations.
This worry leads to triggering body sensations that further feed into the cycle of worry and concern.
Body sensations may go unnoticed until explicitly mentioned.
This cycle fuels the perceived threat, creating a vicious feedback loop.
Treatment often focuses on changing thoughts about bodily sensations and their meaning.
Ignoring the sensations may lead to a lack of awareness, contributing to the cycle.
Understanding the role of thoughts about symptoms is crucial for treating panic disorder.

Treatments for Panic Disorder

Medication Treatments:
- SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are preferred medications, for example, Prozac and Paxil.
- SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are also used, for example, Cymbalta.
- Benzodiazepines can be effective but problematic and not preferred.
Psychological and Combined Treatments:
- CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) including panic control treatment.
- CBT combined with medication.
- CBT with exposures (particularly relevant for agoraphobia).

Exposure Hierarchy for Panic Disorder

This involves gradually increasing exposure to feared stimuli or situations.
It generally starts with low-intensity exposures with a corresponding low fear rating (e.g., driving toward a bridge alone, but not actually crossing it).
Intensity and fear rating gradually increase with each exposure.
The goal is to eventually expose individuals to their most feared situations with a high fear rating (e.g., driving over the bridge with traffic while having a baby daughter in the car).

Commonalities in Maintenance and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Safety and avoidance behaviors are common factors in maintaining anxiety disorders.
Exposure therapy targets these behaviors, gradually increasing exposure to feared stimuli or situations.
The goal is to reduce anxiety by repeatedly exposing individuals to the feared stimulus while providing support and coping strategies.
Overtime, the fear response gradually diminishes with repeated exposure, as the individual learns that the feared object or situation is not actually dangerous.

Key Concepts for Anxiety Disorders

The nature of anxiety and fear.
When are these feelings considered a disorder.
The nature of effective treatments.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of Social Anxiety Disorder, including its symptoms, prevalence, and impact on functioning. Learn about the specific subtype 'Performance Only' mentioned in the DSM-5-TR and the typical age of onset. Discover how social situations affect individuals dealing with this common anxiety disorder.