clinical 4 final

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

A condition characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about various aspects of life, lasting for at least 6 months.

What are common symptoms of GAD?

Restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, irritability, sleep problems, and worry about multiple matters.

What is the gender ratio for GAD prevalence?

Women are twice as likely as men to have GAD, a ratio of 2:1.

What psychological theory explains the development of GAD according to Freud?

Freud believed that children with inadequate defense mechanisms may develop GAD due to high levels of anxiety.

What is the role of childhood relationships in GAD?

Poor childhood relationships with parents can lead to the development of GAD.

What are psychodynamic therapies used to treat GAD?

Free association, transference, resistance, and dream interpretation.

What biological factors are associated with GAD?

Lower GABA levels and increased activity of the fear circuit in the brain.

What is the most effective treatment for GAD?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the best treatment.

What perspective does Carl Rogers advocate for treating GAD?

A humanistic perspective that emphasizes client-centered therapy and unconditional positive regard.

What did Albert Ellis believe about maladaptive assumptions?

He believed that irrational beliefs lead individuals to act in ways that can exacerbate anxiety.

What is the avoidance theory proposed by Thomas Borkovec?

The theory suggests that worrying reduces physical anxiety symptoms by avoiding them.

What defines specific phobias?

A persistent fear lasting at least 6 months, where exposure to the object causes immediate fear and distress.

What is agoraphobia?

A pronounced fear in at least two situations like public transit, open spaces, or crowds, often fearing embarrassment or difficulty escaping.

What therapy does Joseph Wolpe advocate for specific phobias?

Systematic desensitization, which helps individuals learn to relax when exposed to their phobia.

What are significant factors contributing to Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?

Dysfunctional cognitions, traumatic childhood experiences, and overprotective parenting.

How does Social Anxiety Disorder differ in prevalence among races and genders?

More common in females, and white individuals are more likely to have SAD compared to Black or Asian individuals.

What are panic attacks characterized by?

Periodic short bouts of intense fear that peak within minutes and then gradually pass.

What do cognitive-behavioral theorists believe about panic disorder?

They think misinterpretation of physical anxiety symptoms leads to the development of panic attacks.

What is the role of norepinephrine in panic disorder?

A lack of norepinephrine can cause panic attacks, as it is responsible for relaxation.

What are obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Persistent thoughts, ideas, impulses, or images that invade a person’s consciousness.

What are compulsions in OCD?

Repetitive and rigid behaviors or mental acts that individuals feel compelled to perform to reduce anxiety.

How does Freud explain OCD from a psychodynamic perspective?

Freud traced OCD to the anal stage, suggesting that shame from potty training leads to controlling impulses.

What is the cortico-striato thalamo-cortical circuit's role in OCD?

It is hyperactive in people with OCD, leading to difficulty in turning off impulses and related thoughts.

What biological factors influence OCD?

Serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine impact the severity of OCD symptoms.

What is flooding in relation to phobia treatment?

A behavioral exposure technique where individuals face their fears all at once.

What are some techniques included in CBT for GAD?

Changing maladaptive assumptions and breaking down worrying into manageable parts.

What is a common treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder?

Medications like benzodiazepines and antidepressants, along with CBT.